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Published on: July 3, 2009
A unique colour and polarization vision system in mantis shrimps
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, UK.
Nature
|June 9, 1988
Summary
Mantis shrimp eyes feature unique midband ommatidia with color filters and tiered microvilli. This structure may enable advanced color and polarization vision, enhancing their sensory capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Animal Vision
- Sensory Ecology
Background:
- Mantis shrimp (stomatopods) possess complex apposition compound eyes.
- These eyes are divided into dorsal and ventral hemispheres and a midband region.
- The precise function of the midband remains largely unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional adaptations of the mantis shrimp eye's midband region.
- To explore the potential for enhanced color and polarization vision in this specialized eye section.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of midband ommatidia.
- Analysis of carotenoid filters within the rhabdoms.
- Investigating the structure of tiered microvilli.
Main Results:
- Two rows of midband ommatidia contain carotenoid filters (red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, blue).
- These filters may facilitate tetrachromatic input for enhanced or true color vision.
- Two other midband rows exhibit tiered microvilli, suggesting a unique polarization vision mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The midband region of mantis shrimp eyes is uniquely adapted for advanced visual processing.
- Carotenoid filters and specialized microvilli point towards sophisticated color and polarization vision capabilities.
- Further research can elucidate the full extent of these visual adaptations.
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