Summary
Intracellular recordings of the retinula cell receptor potential to flashes of monochromatic light demonstrate the presence of ultraviolet photoreceptors in the retina of the honeybee-mimic dronefly (Diptera, Syrphidae,Eristalis). Photoreceptors for visible light were also found. Hence, the dronefly has the neural capability for color vision. This is consistent with behavioral studies. Color vision would aid this animal in its natural habit of forraging with the honeybee.
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Supported by grants AFOSR-71-2112 and NSF GB-30733.
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Bishop, L.G. An ultraviolet photoreceptor in a Dipteran compound eye. J. Comp. Physiol. 91, 267–275 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00698058
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00698058