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Head of Gynacantha dobsoni, a crepuscular (dawn and dusk)
aerial hunter.
Photo Stephen Richards. Copyright © 1997 Stephen Richards.
Adult Odonata possess extremely acute eyesight. Note the complex structure
of the eye with different-sized facets in different regions of the eye.
These facets differ in both their light-collecting capabilities and
spectral sensitivities. The dark spots on the eye are 'pseudo-pupils',
physically separated parts of the eye which are 'looking' at the camera.
The image is processed in giant 'optical-lobes' lying behind the eye's
surface.
Note also the simple ocelli at the base of the bristle-like antennae.
Ocelli have good light-gathering power and are used in maintaining flight
orientation and stablity.
About This Page
Richard J. Rowe
James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Page copyright © 1997 Richard J. Rowe
Page: Tree of Life
Eyesight in Odonata
Authored by
Richard J. Rowe.
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