Polarized light detection in bumblebees varies with light intensity and is mediated by both the ocelli and compound eyes.
Biol Lett
; 20(9): 20240299, 2024 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39317328
ABSTRACT
Like many insects, bumblebees use polarized light (PL) to orient and navigate. The celestial PL pattern is strongest when the sun is close to the horizon, during the dim light of dawn and dusk. In the dim light, the sensitivity of the compound eyes may not be sufficient for detecting PL or landmarks, and it has previously been hypothesized that bumblebees rely on PL from their more sensitive ocelli to navigate at dawn and dusk. Here, we tested this hypothesis using a combination of electrophysiological and behavioural tests. Specifically, we investigate whether bumblebee ocelli can detect PL and explore how the PL contribution from the ocelli and compound eyes is affected by light intensity. We find that bumblebee ocelli do indeed have PL sensitivity and that PL information can be used to guide behaviour in dim light. In bright light, however, both the compound eyes and ocelli are important for the detection of PL. Our results support the hypothesis that bumblebees use PL information from the ocelli at the low light levels that occur around dawn and dusk, and this may support their ability to forage during these periods.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Ojo Compuesto de los Artrópodos
/
Luz
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Biol Lett
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Suecia
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido