A new kind of neural superposition eye: the compound eye of male Bibionidae

摘要: IN neural superposition eyes the signals of receptors pointing to one region in space are neurally pooled. The optical and organisation these yields an enhanced absolute light sensitivity while minimising loss visual acuity that accompanies pooling. In compound flies (Diptera), this is achieved following way. distal endings seven retinula cells lie near back focal plane each lens1. Their light-sensitive structures, rhabdomeres, optically isolated from other. rhabdomeres ommatidium have different axes. axes adjacent ommatidia parallel (Fig. 1a, ref. 2). axons such (except central ones, which pass through second optic ganglion) converge onto same cartridge secondary neurones first ganglion, lamina3,4. Thus, lamina ‘looks at’ point space. suborder (Cyclorrhapha), housefly Musca fruitfly Drosophila belong, arrangement asymmetrical 1a). Eyes organised way form eyes2. Here, I provide evidence a kind super-position eye exists Bibionidae, family Nematocera. Bibionids peculiar being extremely sexually dimorphic their system: males have, addition small ‘female’ eyes, pair large dorsal functionally correlated presumably with male habit swarming chasing females. These differ described more advanced two respects: symmetrically arranged found √3 times further apart than ommatidia. course cell differs accordingly.