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Ultraviolet photoreception in mantis shrimp

T W Cronin1, N J Marshall, C A Quinn

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County 21228.

Vision Research
|June 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Mantis shrimp retinas possess UV-sensitive photoreceptors in their eighth retinular cells (R8). These photoreceptors, crucial for UV vision, have spectral sensitivity peaking at 345 nm, suggesting a unique photopigment.

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Area of Science:

  • Vision science
  • Animal photoreception
  • Mantis shrimp biology

Background:

  • Mantis shrimp retinas contain UV-sensitive photoreceptors across all regions.
  • UV photosensitivity is localized to the rhabdomeres of the eighth retinular cell (R8).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spectral sensitivity and photopigment characteristics of UV photoreceptors in mantis shrimp.
  • To understand the functional role of UV vision in mantis shrimp ecology.

Main Methods:

  • Examined spectral sensitivity of UV photoreceptors in various retinal regions and species.
  • Analyzed photopigment absorption spectra and potential UV-absorbing overlays.
  • Investigated polarization sensitivity in relation to microvilli orientation.

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Main Results:

  • UV photoreceptor spectral sensitivity peaks at 345 nm, indicating a photopigment with lambda max near 325 nm.
  • A UV-absorbing overlay likely modifies sensitivity below 350 nm.
  • R8 rhabdomeres contain photopigments absorbing maximally below 340 nm, with potential for a 460 nm metapigment.
  • Polarization sensitivity is maximal when light's e-vector aligns with microvilli in R8.

Conclusions:

  • Mantis shrimp possess specialized UV photoreceptors with unique spectral properties.
  • UV vision may enhance contrast for detecting midwater prey or predators.
  • The R8 cell's photopigment and overlying structures are key to UV sensitivity and polarization detection.