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Liang ZL, Zhang TH, Muinde J, Fan WL, Dong ZQ, Wu FM, Huang ZZ, Ge SQ. Ultrastructure and Spectral Characteristics of the Compound Eye of Asiophrida xanthospilota (Baly, 1881) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). INSECTS 2024; 15:532. [PMID: 39057265 PMCID: PMC11277293 DOI: 10.3390/insects15070532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the morphology and ultrastructure of the compound eye of Asi. xanthospilota were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), micro-computed tomography (μCT), and 3D reconstruction. Spectral sensitivity was investigated by electroretinogram (ERG) tests and phototropism experiments. The compound eye of Asi. xanthospilota is of the apposition type, consisting of 611.00 ± 17.53 ommatidia in males and 634.8 0 ± 24.73 ommatidia in females. Each ommatidium is composed of a subplano-convex cornea, an acone consisting of four cone cells, eight retinular cells along with the rhabdom, two primary pigment cells, and about 23 secondary pigment cells. The open type of rhabdom in Asi. xanthospilota consists of six peripheral rhabdomeres contributed by the six peripheral retinular cells (R1~R6) and two distally attached rhabdomeric segments generated solely by R7, while R8 do not contribute to the rhabdom. The orientation of microvilli indicates that Asi. xanthospilota is unlikely to be a polarization-sensitive species. ERG testing showed that both males and females reacted to stimuli from red, yellow, green, blue, and ultraviolet light. Both males and females exhibited strong responses to blue and green light but weak responses to red light. The phototropism experiments showed that both males and females exhibited positive phototaxis to all five lights, with blue light significantly stronger than the others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Long Liang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.-L.L.); (T.-H.Z.); (J.M.); (W.-L.F.); (Z.-Q.D.); (Z.-Z.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tian-Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.-L.L.); (T.-H.Z.); (J.M.); (W.-L.F.); (Z.-Q.D.); (Z.-Z.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jacob Muinde
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.-L.L.); (T.-H.Z.); (J.M.); (W.-L.F.); (Z.-Q.D.); (Z.-Z.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei-Li Fan
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.-L.L.); (T.-H.Z.); (J.M.); (W.-L.F.); (Z.-Q.D.); (Z.-Z.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ze-Qun Dong
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.-L.L.); (T.-H.Z.); (J.M.); (W.-L.F.); (Z.-Q.D.); (Z.-Z.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feng-Ming Wu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.-L.L.); (T.-H.Z.); (J.M.); (W.-L.F.); (Z.-Q.D.); (Z.-Z.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zheng-Zhong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.-L.L.); (T.-H.Z.); (J.M.); (W.-L.F.); (Z.-Q.D.); (Z.-Z.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Si-Qin Ge
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.-L.L.); (T.-H.Z.); (J.M.); (W.-L.F.); (Z.-Q.D.); (Z.-Z.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Yang X, Ran H, Jiang Y, Lu Z, Wei G, Li J. Fine structure of the compound eyes of the crepuscular moth Grapholita molesta (Busck 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Front Physiol 2024; 15:1343702. [PMID: 38390450 PMCID: PMC10883378 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1343702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Morphological organization, ultrastructure and adaptational changes under different light intensities (10000, 100, 1, and 0.01 mW/m2) of the compound eye of the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Busck 1916) were investigated. Its superposition type of eyes consist of approximately 1072 ommatidia in males and 1029 ommatidia in females with ommatidial diameters of around 15 μm. Each ommatidium features a laminated corneal lens densely covered by corneal nipples of 256 nm in height. Crystalline cones are formed by four cone cells, proximally tapering to form a narrow crystalline tract with a diameter of 1.5 μm. Eight retinula cells, two primary and six secondary pigment cells per ommatidium are present. The 62.3 μm long rhabdom is divided into a thin 1.8 μm wide distal and a 5.2 μm wide proximal region. Distally the fused rhabdom consists of the rhabdomeres of seven retinula cells (R1-R7) and connects with the crystalline cone. In the proximal rhabdom region, the pigment-containing retinula cell R8 occupies a position in centre of the rhabdom while R1-R7 cells have taken peripheral positions. At this level each ommatidial group of retinula cells is surrounded by a tracheal tapetum. In response to changes from bright-light to dim-light adaptations, the pigment granules in the secondary pigment cells and retinula cells migrate distally, with a decrease in the length of crystalline tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Yang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Hongfan Ran
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Yueli Jiang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ziyun Lu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Guoshu Wei
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Jiancheng Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Baoding, Hebei, China
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Fan WL, Liu XK, Zhang TH, Liang ZL, Jiang L, Zong L, Li CQ, Du Z, Liu HY, Yang YX, Wu FM, Ge SQ. The morphology and spectral characteristics of the compound eye of Agasicleshygrophila (Selman & Vogt, 1971) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini). Zookeys 2023; 1177:23-40. [PMID: 37692325 PMCID: PMC10483692 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1177.100084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The first exploratory study was conducted on the compound eye morphology and spectral characteristics of Agasicleshygrophila (Selman & Vogt, 1971) to clarify its eye structure and its spectral sensitivity. Scanning electron microscopy, paraffin sectioning, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that A.hygrophila has apposition compound eyes with both eucones and open rhabdom. The micro-computed tomography (CT) results after 3D reconstruction demonstrated the precise position of the compound eyes in the insect's head and suggested that the visual range was mainly concentrated in the front and on both sides of the head. The electroretinogram (ERG) experiment showed that red, yellow, green, blue, and ultraviolet light could stimulate the compound eyes of A.hygrophila to produce electrical signals. The behavioural experiment results showed that both males and females had the strongest phototaxis to yellow light and positive phototaxis to red, green, and blue light but negative phototaxis to UV light. This study of the compound eyes of A.hygrophila will be helpful for decoding its visual mechanism in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Li Fan
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xiao-Kun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Tian-Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zu-Long Liang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Le Zong
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Cong-Qiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhong Du
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hao-Yu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, School of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei Province, ChinaHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Yu-Xia Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, School of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei Province, ChinaHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Feng-Ming Wu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Si-Qin Ge
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, ChinaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Hao Y, Wang Q, Wen C, Wen J. Comparison of Fine Structure of the Compound Eyes in Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus and Eucryptorrhynchus brandti Adults. INSECTS 2023; 14:699. [PMID: 37623409 PMCID: PMC10455913 DOI: 10.3390/insects14080699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus and E. brandti are the main borers of Ailanthus altissima, causing serious economic and ecological losses. The external morphology and internal ultrastructure of the compound eyes of two related weevils were investigated with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. E. scrobiculatus and E. brandti possess a pair of reniform apposition compound eyes and contain about 550 ommatidia per eye. The interommatidial angle of E. scrobiculatus and E. brandti are 7.08 ± 0.31° and 4.84 ± 0.49°, respectively. The corneal thickness, rhabdom length, and ommatidium length of E. scrobiculatus are significantly greater than those of E. brandti. Under light-adapted conditions, the pigment granules are mainly distributed at the junction of the cone and the rhabdom, and the diameter and the cross-sectional area of the middle end of the rhabdom is increased in the two weevil species. Under dark-adapted conditions, the pigment granules shift longitudinally and are evenly distributed on both sides of the cone and the rhabdom, and the diameter and cross-sectional area of the middle end of the rhabdom are decreased. The discrepancy in visual structure is beneficial for adaptation to niche differentiation of the two related species. The present results suggest that the two weevils possess different visual organ structures to perceive visual information in the external environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.H.); (Q.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.H.); (Q.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.H.); (Q.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Junbao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.H.); (Q.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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The 3D ultrastructure of the chordotonal organs in the antenna of a microwasp remains complex although simplified. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20172. [PMID: 36424494 PMCID: PMC9691716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24390-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect antennae are astonishingly versatile and have multiple sensory modalities. Audition, detection of airflow, and graviception are combined in the antennal chordotonal organs. The miniaturization of these complex multisensory organs has never been investigated. Here we present a comprehensive study of the structure and scaling of the antennal chordotonal organs of the extremely miniaturized parasitoid wasp Megaphragma viggianii based on 3D electron microscopy. Johnston's organ of M. viggianii consists of 19 amphinematic scolopidia (95 cells); the central organ consists of five scolopidia (20 cells). Plesiomorphic composition includes one accessory cell per scolopidium, but in M. viggianii this ratio is only 0.3. Scolopale rods in Johnston's organ have a unique structure. Allometric analyses demonstrate the effects of scaling on the antennal chordotonal organs in insects. Our results not only shed light on the universal principles of miniaturization of sense organs, but also provide context for future interpretation of the M. viggianii connectome.
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Fischer S, Laue M, Müller CHG, Meinertzhagen IA, Pohl H. Ultrastructural 3D reconstruction of the smallest known insect photoreceptors: The stemmata of a first instar larva of Strepsiptera (Hexapoda). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2021; 62:101055. [PMID: 33975098 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2021.101055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Stemmata of strepsipteran insects represent the smallest arthropod eyes known, having photoreceptors which form fused rhabdoms measuring an average size of 1.69 × 1.21 × 1.04 μm and each occupying a volume of only 0.97-1.16 μm3. The morphology of the stemmata of the extremely miniaturized first instar larva of Stylops ovinae (Strepsiptera, Stylopidae) was investigated using serial-sectioning transmission electron microscopy (ssTEM). Our 3D reconstruction revealed that, despite different proportions, all three stemmata maintain the same organization: a biconvex corneal lens, four corneagenous cells and five photoreceptor (retinula) cells. No pigment-containing cell-types were found to adjoin the corneagenous cells. Whereas the retinula cells are adapted to the limited space by having laterally bulged median regions, containing mitochondria and the smallest nuclei yet reported for arthropods (1.37 μm3), special adaptations are found in the corneagenous cells which have cell volumes down to 1 μm3. The corneagenous cells lack nuclei and pigment granules and bear only a few mitochondria (up to three) or none at all. Morphological adaptations due to miniaturization are discussed in the context of photoreceptor function and the visual needs of the larva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Fischer
- Tübingen Structural Microscopy Core Facility, Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Life Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2.
| | - Michael Laue
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Robert Koch-Institut, Seestr. 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten H G Müller
- Zoological Institute and Museum, Department of General and Systematic Zoology, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Str. 26, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ian A Meinertzhagen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Life Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2
| | - Hans Pohl
- Entomology Group, Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Erbertstraße 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
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Small eyes in dim light: Implications to spatio-temporal visual abilities in Drosophila melanogaster. Vision Res 2020; 169:33-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Chen QX, Chen YW, Li WL. Ultrastructural comparison of the compound eyes of the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) under light/dark adaptation. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2019; 53:100901. [PMID: 31760197 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2019.100901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis is one of the most destructive pests of maize throughout eastern Asia and the South Pacific. In the present study the fine structure of the compound eyes of adult O. furnacalis was investigated under light/dark adaptation using light and electron microscopy. The compound eyes of male and female O. furnacalis are superposition eyes with electron-lucent clear zones. The sexual differences of the compound eyes of O. furnacalis are mainly reflected in eye size rather than ommatidial ultrastructure. Each ommatidium of both sexes contains 12 retinula cells, one of which is the basal retinula cell. All the retinula cells form a centrally-fused, two-tiered rhabdom, whose distal layer passes through the clear zone and distally connects with the crystalline cone. The ultrastructural changes under light/dark conditions mainly involve the rhabdom occupation ratio to retinula cell volume in the proximal layer of the rhabdom as well as the dimensions of the subcorneal zone and the crystalline tract. Pigment movements occur within the retinula cells and primary pigment cells, but are undetectable within the secondary pigment cells. Regardless of light or dark adaptation, in other words, the pigments never migrate into the clear zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Xiao Chen
- Laboratory of Insect Evolution and Systematics, Forestry College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, 471023, China.
| | - Ying-Wu Chen
- Laboratory of Insect Evolution and Systematics, Forestry College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, 471023, China
| | - Wen-Liang Li
- Laboratory of Insect Evolution and Systematics, Forestry College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, 471023, China
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Wen C, Ma T, Deng Y, Liu C, Liang S, Wen J, Wang C, Wen X. Morphological and optical features of the apposition compound eye of Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Micron 2019; 128:102769. [PMID: 31627039 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2019.102769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Japanese pine sawyer beetle, Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is currently the most destructive forest pest as it transmits the pine wilt nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Morphological, optical features and dark/light adaptational changes of the compound eyes of M. alternatus adults were examined by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The eye of M. alternatus is apposition type and contains 489-712 ommatidia, depending on the beetle's body size. Each ommatidium features a large corneal lens, composed of a thick inner lens (ILU) and a thin outer lens unit (OLU); an acone-type of cone of four cone cells, a semi-fused type of rhabdom formed by eight retinular cells (two central cells: R7-R8 surrounded by six peripheral cells: R1-R6). Dark/light adaptational changes affect size and shape of the cones as well as the rhabdom's cross-sectional area and outline, to optimize the amount of light that reaches the photopigment. The compound eyes of M. alternatus have an F-number of 0.94, an interommatidial angle of 5.34°, an eye parameter P of 4.98 μm rad and a ratio of acceptance to interommatidial angle of 0.45. The eye is characterized by relatively poor spatial resolution, but can be expected to exhibit high absolute sensitivity and contrast in dim light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangxiao Deng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanhe Liu
- Instrumental Analysis and Research Center, South China Agricultural university, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiping Liang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junbao Wen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Cai Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiujun Wen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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Spalding A, Shanks K, Bennie J, Potter U, Ffrench-Constant R. Optical Modelling and Phylogenetic Analysis Provide Clues to the Likely Function of Corneal Nipple Arrays in Butterflies and Moths. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10090262. [PMID: 31443396 PMCID: PMC6780202 DOI: 10.3390/insects10090262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The lenses in compound eyes of butterflies and moths contain an array of nipple-shaped protuberances, or corneal nipples. Previous work has suggested that these nipples increase light transmittance and reduce the eye glare of moths that are inactive during the day. This work builds on but goes further than earlier analyses suggesting a functional role for these structures including, for the first time, an explanation of why moths are attracted to UV light. Using a phylogenetic approach and 3D optical modelling, we show empirically that these arrays have been independently lost from different groups of moths and butterflies and vary within families. We find differences in the shape of nipples between nocturnal and diurnal species, and that anti-glow reflectance levels are different at different wave-lengths, a result thereby contradicting the currently accepted theory of eye glow for predator avoidance. We find that there is reduced reflectance, and hence greater photon absorption, at UV light, which is probably a reason why moths are attracted to UV. We note that the effective refractive index at the end of the nipples is very close to the refractive index of water, allowing almost all the species with nipples to see without distortion when the eye is partially or completely wet and providing the potential to keep eyes dry. These observations provide a functional explanation for these arrays. Of special interest is the finding that their repeated and independent loss across lepidopteran phylogeny is inconsistent with the explanation that they are being lost in the ‘higher’, more active butterflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Spalding
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter in Cornwall, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK.
- Spalding Associates (Environmental) Ltd., 10 Walsingham Place, Truro TR1 2RP, UK.
| | - Katie Shanks
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Jon Bennie
- Centre for Geography and Environmental Science, Peter Lanyon Building, Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn, Cornwall, PenrynTR10 9FE, UK
| | - Ursula Potter
- Microscopy & Analysis Suite, Faculty of Science, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Richard Ffrench-Constant
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter in Cornwall, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
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Mohr T, Meinertzhagen IA, Fischer S. Novel type of sub-retinal pigment shield in the miniaturized compound eye of Trichogramma evanescens. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:167-174. [PMID: 31306484 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Pigment granules, found in different cell types of the retina in insect compound eyes, fulfill important functions. They isolate the individual ommatidia from stray light, regulate the angular sensitivity, and restrict the light that reaches the photoreceptor according to ambient light intensities. Descriptions of pigment cells within the retina are included in ultrastructural eye descriptions, but knowledge of pigment cell types beneath the retina and basal matrix (BM) are relatively limited in insects. In the miniaturized parasitoid wasp Trichogramma evanescens Westwood 1833, a sub-retinal pigment shield is formed by pigment-bearing cells, which appear in two-dimensional TEM sections to form a separate population beneath the BM. By using three-dimensional reconstructions of serial-section transmission electron microscopy, it was possible to reveal that the sub-retinal pigment shield of T. evanescens is not formed by a separate cell type, but by extensions of the lateral rim pigment cells that penetrate gaps in the BM. The reconstruction is supported by evidence from a statistical analysis of pigment granule volumes of all pigment bearing cell types in the retina and rim region. The study reveals the first known case of the participation of lateral rim cells in a sub-retinal pigment shield in an insect eye. As neither pigmented extensions of secondary pigment cells, nor pigment granules in the extensions of the cone cell projections are present above the BM in T. evanescens, the sub-retinal extensions of the lateral rim cells can be seen as a functional adaptation to miniaturization in order to maintain a proximal shielding function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Mohr
- Institut für Integrierte Naturwissenschaften, Biologie, Universität Koblenz - Landau, Koblenz, Germany.,Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ian A Meinertzhagen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Life Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Stefan Fischer
- Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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12
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Randolf S, Zimmermann D. Small, but oh my! Head morphology of adult Aleuropteryx spp. and effects of miniaturization (Insecta: Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2019; 50:1-14. [PMID: 30731198 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We present the first morphological study of the internal head structures of adults of the coniopterygid genus Aleuropteryx, which belong to the smallest known lacewings. The head is ventrally closed with a gula, which is unique in adult Neuroptera and otherwise developed in Megaloptera, the sister group of Neuroptera. The dorsal tentorial arms are directed posteriorly and fused, forming an arch that fulfills functions otherwise taken by the tentorial bridge. A newly found maxillary gland is present in both sexes. Several structural modifications correlated with miniaturization are recognized: a relative increase in the size of the brain, a reduction in the number of ommatidia and diameter of the facets, a countersunken cone-shaped ocular ridge, and a simplification of the tracheal system. The structure of the head differs strikingly from that of the previously studied species Coniopteryx pygmaea, indicating a greater variability in the family Coniopterygidae, which might be another effect of miniaturization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Randolf
- Natural History Museum Vienna, 2nd Zoological Department, Burgring 7, 1010, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Dominique Zimmermann
- Natural History Museum Vienna, 2nd Zoological Department, Burgring 7, 1010, Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Makarova AA, Meyer-Rochow VB, Polilov AA. Morphology and scaling of compound eyes in the smallest beetles (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2019; 48:83-97. [PMID: 30625373 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The coleopteran family Ptiliidae (featherwing beetles) includes some of the smallest insects known with most of the representatives of this family measuring less than 1 mm in body length. A small body size largely determines the morphology, physiology, and biology of an organism and affects the organization of complex sense organs. Information on the organization of the compound eyes of Ptiliidae is scarce. Using scanning electron microscopy we analyzed the eyes of representatives of all subfamilies and tribes and provide a detailed description of the eye ultrastructure of four species (Nephanes titan, Porophila mystacea, Nanosella sp. and Acrotrichis grandicollis) using transmission electron microscopy. The results are compared with available data on larger species of related groups of Staphyliniformia and scale quantitative analyses are performed. The eyes of Ptiliidae consist of 15-50 ommatidia 6-13 μm in diameter and all conform to the apposition acone type of eye with fused rhabdoms of banded organization. Each ommatidium has the typical cellular arrangement present also in the eyes of larger staphyliniform beetles, but strongly curved lenses, short cones, reduced pigment cells, a high density of pigment granules and certain modifications of the rhabdom seem typical of ptiliid eyes. Allometric analyses show that as body size decreases, the number of facets drops more steeply than their average size does.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V Benno Meyer-Rochow
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Oulu University, Oulu, Finland; Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, Republic of Korea
| | - Alexey A Polilov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Joint Russian-Vietnamese Tropical Research and Technological Center, Hanoi, Viet Nam
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14
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Palavalli-Nettimi R, Ogawa Y, Ryan LA, Hart NS, Narendra A. Miniaturisation reduces contrast sensitivity and spatial resolving power in ants. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.203018. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.203018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vision is crucial for animals to find prey, locate conspecifics, and to navigate within cluttered landscapes. Animals need to discriminate objects against a visually noisy background. However, the ability to detect spatial information is limited by eye size. In insects, as individuals become smaller, the space available for the eyes reduces, which affects the number of ommatidia, the size of the lens and the downstream information processing capabilities. The evolution of small body size in a lineage, known as miniaturisation, is common in insects. Here, using pattern electroretinography with vertical sinusoidal gratings as stimuli, we studied how miniaturisation affects spatial resolving power and contrast sensitivity in four diurnal ants that live in a similar environment but varied in their body and eye size. We found that ants with fewer and smaller ommatidial facets had lower spatial resolving power and contrast sensitivity. The spatial resolving power was maximum in the largest ant Myrmecia tarsata at 0.60 cycles per degree (cpd) compared to the ant with smallest eyes Rhytidoponera inornata that had 0.48 cpd. Maximum contrast sensitivity (minimum contrast threshold) in M. tarsata (2627 facets) was 15.51 (6.4% contrast detection threshold) at 0.1 cpd, while the smallest ant R. inornata (227 facets) had a maximum contrast sensitivity of 1.34 (74.1% contrast detection threshold) at 0.05 cpd. This is the first study to physiologically investigate contrast sensitivity in the context of insect allometry. Miniaturisation thus dramatically decreases maximum contrast sensitivity and also reduces spatial resolution, which could have implications for visually guided behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuri Ogawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Laura A. Ryan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Nathan S. Hart
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ajay Narendra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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15
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Minelli A, Fusco G. No limits: Breaking constraints in insect miniaturization. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2019; 48:4-11. [PMID: 30496889 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Small arthropods are not simply scaled-down versions of their larger closest relatives, as changes in morphology and functional characters are largely governed by scaling laws. These same scaling laws set strict limits to size change toward smaller sizes. The evolution of extreme miniaturized forms involves the breaking of these constraints, by means of design innovations that allow evolutionary change to evade the limits posed by scaling laws. Here we review several cases studies in insects and other arthropods that illustrate this evolutionary path. We examine morphologies commonly recurring in miniaturized forms but not exclusive to them, morphologies exclusive to miniaturized forms and novel functional solutions supported by unconventional morphologies. We also discuss miniaturization and its evolvability taking into consideration arthropod postembryonic development and modular body organization. The modification of features commonly supposed not to change appears as a recurring pattern in arthropod miniaturization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Minelli
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, I 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Fusco
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, I 35131, Padova, Italy.
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16
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Pirih P, Ilić M, Rudolf J, Arikawa K, Stavenga DG, Belušič G. The giant butterfly-moth Paysandisia archon has spectrally rich apposition eyes with unique light-dependent photoreceptor dynamics. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2018; 204:639-651. [PMID: 29869100 PMCID: PMC6028894 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-018-1267-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The palm borer moth Paysandisia archon (Burmeister, 1880) (fam. Castniidae) is a large, diurnally active palm pest. Its compound eyes consist of ~ 20,000 ommatidia and have apposition optics with interommatidial angles below 1°. The ommatidia contain nine photoreceptor cells and appear structurally similar to those in nymphalid butterflies. Two morphological ommatidial types were identified. Using the butterfly numbering scheme, in type I ommatidia, the distal rhabdom consists exclusively of the rhabdomeres of photoreceptors R1–2; the medial rhabdom has contributions from R1–8. The rhabdom in type II ommatidia is distally split into two sub-rhabdoms, with contributions from photoreceptors R2, R3, R5, R6 and R1, R4, R7, R8, respectively; medially, only R3–8 and not R1–2 contribute to the fused rhabdom. In both types, the pigmented bilobed photoreceptors R9 contribute to the rhabdom basally. Their nuclei reside in one of the lobes. Upon light adaptation, in both ommatidial types, the rhabdoms secede from the crystalline cones and pigment granules invade the gap. Intracellular recordings identified four photoreceptor classes with peak sensitivities in the ultraviolet, blue, green and orange wavelength regions (at 360, 465, 550, 580 nm, respectively). We discuss the eye morphology and optics, the photoreceptor spectral sensitivities, and the adaptation to daytime activity from a phylogenetic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Primož Pirih
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, SOKENDAI The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Shonan International Village, Hayama, 240-0115, Kanagawa, Japan. .,Department of Artificial Intelligence, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 9, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marko Ilić
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jerneja Rudolf
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgt. 55, 5006, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kentaro Arikawa
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, SOKENDAI The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Shonan International Village, Hayama, 240-0115, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Doekele G Stavenga
- Department of Computational Physics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, NL, 9747AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gregor Belušič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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17
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Satoh A, Stewart FJ, Koshitaka H, Akashi HD, Pirih P, Sato Y, Arikawa K. Red-shift of spectral sensitivity due to screening pigment migration in the eyes of a moth, Adoxophyes orana. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2017; 3:14. [PMID: 28861276 PMCID: PMC5575869 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-017-0075-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have found that the spectral sensitivity of the compound eye in the summer fruit tortrix moth (Adoxophyes orana) differs in laboratory strains originating from different regions of Japan. We have investigated the mechanisms underlying this anomalous spectral sensitivity. METHODS We applied electrophysiology, light and electron microscopy, opsin gene cloning, mathematical modeling, and behavioral analysis. RESULTS The ERG-determined spectral sensitivity of dark-adapted individuals of all strains peaks around 520 nm. When light-adapted, the spectral sensitivity of the Nagano strain narrows and its peak shifts to 580 nm, while that in other strains remains unchanged. All tested strains appear to be identical in terms of the basic structure of the eye, the pigment migration in response to light- and dark-adaptation, and the molecular structure of long-wavelength absorbing visual pigments. However, the color of the perirhabdomal pigment clearly differs; it is orange in the Nagano strain and purple in the others. The action spectrum of phototaxis appears to be shifted towards longer wavelengths in the Nagano individuals. CONCLUSIONS The spectral sensitivities of light-adapted eyes can be modeled under the assumption that this screening pigment plays a crucial role in determining the spectral sensitivity. The action spectrum of phototaxis indicates that the change in the eye spectral sensitivity is behaviorally relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Satoh
- Laboratory of Neuroethology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, 240-0193 Japan
| | - Finlay J. Stewart
- Laboratory of Neuroethology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, 240-0193 Japan
| | - Hisaharu Koshitaka
- Laboratory of Neuroethology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, 240-0193 Japan
| | - Hiroshi D. Akashi
- Laboratory of Neuroethology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, 240-0193 Japan
| | - Primož Pirih
- Laboratory of Neuroethology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, 240-0193 Japan
| | - Yasushi Sato
- Division of Tea Research, Institute of Fruit Tree and Tea Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Kanaya, 428-0039 Japan
| | - Kentaro Arikawa
- Laboratory of Neuroethology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, 240-0193 Japan
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18
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Randolf S, Zimmermann D, Aspöck U. Head anatomy of adult Coniopteryx pygmaea: Effects of miniaturization and the systematic position of Coniopterygidae (Insecta: Neuroptera). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2017; 46:304-322. [PMID: 28012892 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
External and internal head structures of adult Coniopteryx pygmaea Enderlein, 1906, one of the smallest known lacewings, are described in detail for the first time. Possible effects of miniaturization and two hypotheses on the phylogenetic position of Coniopterygidae are evaluated and compared with data from literature. Several convergent modifications in C. pygmaea and other miniaturized insect species are outlined, e.g., a relative increase in the size of the brain, simplification of the tracheal system with respect to the number of tracheae, and reduction of the number of ommatidia and diameter of the facets. Further, the ocular ridge is bell-shaped and countersunk into the head capsule. The cuticle is weakly sclerotized and equipped with wax glands which are unique in Neuroptera. The total number of muscles is not affected by miniaturization. The phylogenetic analysis yields Coniopterygidae as sistergroup to the dilarid clade based on one larval character, the shape of the stylets. The enforced basal position of Coniopterygidae is supported by one disputable synapomorphy of the remaining Neuroptera, the presence of paraglossae in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Randolf
- Natural History Museum Vienna, 2nd Zoological Department, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Department of Integrative Zoology, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Dominique Zimmermann
- Natural History Museum Vienna, 2nd Zoological Department, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Department of Integrative Zoology, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ulrike Aspöck
- Natural History Museum Vienna, 2nd Zoological Department, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Department of Integrative Zoology, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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19
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Abstract
The visual world is rich in linearly polarized light stimuli, which are hidden from the human eye. But many invertebrate species make use of polarized light as a source of valuable visual information. However, exploiting light polarization does not necessarily imply that the electric (e)-vector orientation of polarized light can be perceived as a separate modality of light. In this Review, I address the question of whether invertebrates can detect specific e-vector orientations in a manner similar to that of humans perceiving spectral stimuli as specific hues. To analyze e-vector orientation, the signals of at least three polarization-sensitive sensors (analyzer channels) with different e-vector tuning axes must be compared. The object-based, imaging polarization vision systems of cephalopods and crustaceans, as well as the water-surface detectors of flying backswimmers, use just two analyzer channels. Although this excludes the perception of specific e-vector orientations, a two-channel system does provide a coarse, categoric analysis of polarized light stimuli, comparable to the limited color sense of dichromatic, 'color-blind' humans. The celestial compass of insects employs three or more analyzer channels. However, that compass is multimodal, i.e. e-vector information merges with directional information from other celestial cues, such as the solar azimuth and the spectral gradient in the sky, masking e-vector information. It seems that invertebrate organisms take no interest in the polarization details of visual stimuli, but polarization vision grants more practical benefits, such as improved object detection and visual communication for cephalopods and crustaceans, compass readings to traveling insects, or the alert 'water below!' to water-seeking bugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Labhart
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich CH 8057, Switzerland
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20
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Makarova A, Polilov A, Fischer S. Comparative morphological analysis of compound eye miniaturization in minute hymenoptera. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2015; 44:21-32. [PMID: 25463270 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Due to their small size, diminutive parasitic wasps are outstanding subjects for investigating aspects of body miniaturization. Information on minute compound eyes is still scarce, and we therefore investigated eye morphology in one of the smallest known hymenopteran species Megaphragma mymaripenne (body size 0.2 mm) relative to Anaphes flavipes (body size 0.45 mm) and compared the data with available information for Trichogramma evanescens (body size 0.4 mm). The eyes of all three species are of the apposition kind, and each ommatidium possesses the typical cellular organization of ommatidia found in larger hymenopterans. Compound eye miniaturization does not therefore involve a reduction in cell numbers or elimination of cell types. Six size-related adaptations were detected in the smallest eyes investigated, namely a) a decrease in the radius of curvature of the cornea compared with larger hymenopterans; b) the lack of extensions to the basal matrix from secondary pigment cells; c) the interlocking arrangement of the retinula cell nuclei in neighboring ommatidia; d) the distal positions of retinula cell nuclei in M. mymaripenne; e) the elongated shape of retinula cell pigment granules of both studied species; and f) an increase in rhabdom diameter in M. mymaripenne compared with A. flavipes and T. evanescens. The adaptations are discussed with respect to compound eye miniaturizations as well as their functional consequences based on optical calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Makarova
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexey Polilov
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stefan Fischer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Life Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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21
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Kristensen NP, Rota J, Fischer S. Notable plesiomorphies and notable specializations: head structure of the primitive "tongue moth" Acanthopteroctetes unifascia (Lepidoptera: Acanthopteroctetidae). J Morphol 2013; 275:153-72. [PMID: 24127297 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The Acanthopteroctetidae are one of the first-originated family-group lineages within "tongue moths" (Lepidoptera-Glossata). The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive account (based on whole mount preparations, serial sections, and Scanning electron microscopy) of the cephalic structure of an adult exemplar of the family, to supplement the sparse available information. Notable plesiomorphies include the retention of frontal retractors of the narrow labrum, a high supraocular index linked to strong development of cranio-mandibular ad- and abductors, and perhaps the unusually short but still coilable (just ca. 1.5 turns) galeal "tongue." Notable specializations (probably mostly family autapomorphies) include a complement of large sensilla placodea on the male antennae, an apical attachment of the long dorsal tentorial arm to the cranium, an extreme reduction of the single-segmented labial palps, a particularly strong subgenal bridge and a surface structure of near-parallel ridges on the ommatidial corneae. The presence of sizable saccular mandibular (type 1) glands opening into the adductor apodeme is unexpected, no counterparts being known from neighboring taxa. The same is true for ventral salivarium dilator muscles originating on the prelabium; and tentatively suggested to be homologues of the extrinsic palp flexors (the insertion shift being related to loss of original function due to palp reduction), rather than to the ventral salivarium muscles of more basal insects. A complete "deutocerebral loop"' may or may not be developed, as is true for a mutual appression of the optic lobe and circumoesophageal connective/suboesophageal ganglion, enclosing the anterior tentorial arm between them; a suboesophageal innervation of the retrocerebral complex was not observed. No characters bearing on the monophyly of the Coelolepida were identified. The scapo-pedicellar articulation with a scapal process and a smooth intercalary sclerite is reminiscent of conditions in Neopseustidae, but remains debatable as a synapomorphy of the two families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels P Kristensen
- Entomology Department, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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