Skip to main content
Log in

The neural superposition eye and its optical demands

  • Published:
Journal of comparative physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

A formal derivation of the optical demands of the neural superposition eye is presented. The treatment is based on a lattice description of the visual system using a H(orizontal) and V(ertical) axis.

Hence a relation for the interommatidial angles along these axes can be derived and the close connection between eye shape and facetlens pattern emerges. Possible general consequences for insect visual systems are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Beersma, D. G. M., Stavenga, D. G., Kuiper, J. W.: Organization of visual axes in the compound eye of the flyMusca domestica L. and behavioural consequences. J. comp. Physiol.102, 305–320 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernard, G. D., Miller, W. H.: Interference filters in the corneas of Diptera. Invest. Ophthal.7, 416–434 (1968)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boschek, C. B.: On the fine structure of the peripheral retina and lamina ganglionaris of the flyMusca domestica. Z. Zellforsch.118, 369–409 (1971)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Braitenberg, V.: Patterns of projection in the visual system of the fly. I. Retina-lamina projections. Exp. Brain Res.3, 271–298 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Braitenberg, V.: Ordnung und Orientierung der Elemente im Sehsystem der Fliege. Kybernetik7, 235–242 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Braitenberg, V., Strausfeld, N. J.: Principles of the mosaic organization in the visual system's neuropil ofMusca domestica L. In: Handbook of sensory physiology, vol. VII/3a (R. Jung, ed.), p. 631–660. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1973

    Google Scholar 

  • Franceschini, N.: Sampling of the visual environment by the compound eye of the fly: Fundamentals and applications. In: Photoreceptor optics (A. W. Snyder and R. Menzel, eds.), p. 98–125. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1975

    Google Scholar 

  • Franceschini, N., Kirschfeld, K.: Étude optique in vivo des éléments photorécepteurs dans l'œil composé deDrosophila. Kybernetik8, 1–13 (1971a)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Franceschini, N., Kirschfeld, K.: Les phénomènes de pseudopupille dans l'œil composé deDrosophila. Kybernetik9, 159–182 (1971b)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gemperlein, R.: Grundlagen zur genauen Beschreibung von Komplexaugen. Z. vergl. Physiol.65, 428–444 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschfeld, K.: Das anatomische und das physiologische Sehfeld der Ommatidien im Komplexauge vonMusca. Kybernetik2, 249–257 (1965)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kirschfeld, K.: Aufnahme und Verarbeitung optischer Daten im Komplexauge von Insekten. Naturwissenschaften58, 201–209 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschfeld, K.: Optomotorische Reaktionen der Biene auf bewegte „Polarisationsmuster”. Z. Naturforsch.28c, 329–338 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschfeld, K., Franceschini, N.: Optische Eigenschaften der Ommatidien im Komplexauge vonMusca. Kybernetik5, 47–52 (1968)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kittel, C.: Introduction to solid state physics. New York-London-Sydney: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 1968

    Google Scholar 

  • Stavenga, D. G.: Optical qualities of the fly eye—An approach from the side of geometrical, physical and waveguide optics. In: Photoreceptor optics (A. W. Snyder and R. Menzel, eds.), p. 126–144. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1975

    Google Scholar 

  • Stavenga, D. G., Beersma, D. G. M.: Formalism for the neural network of visual systems. Biol. Cybernetics19, 75–81 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Trujillo-Cenóz, O.: The structural organization of the compound eye in insects. In: Handbook of sensory physiology, vol. VII/2 (M. G. P. Fuortes, ed.), p. 5–62. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Trujillo-Cenóz, O., Bernard, G. D.: Some aspects of the retinal organization ofSympycnus lineatus Loew (Diptera, Dolichopodidae). J. Ultrastruct. Res.38, 149–160 (1972)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Waterman, T., Horch, K. W.: Mechanism of polarized light perception. Science154, 467–475 (1966)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

The collaboration of Prof. Dr. J. W. Kuiper and D. G. M. Beersma is gratefully acknowledged. Dr. J. T. Leutscher-Hazelhoff made many efforts to cut down the errors in the English grammar. Miss H. E. Deenen put the finishing touch.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Stavenga, D.G. The neural superposition eye and its optical demands. J. Comp. Physiol. 102, 297–304 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01464342

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01464342

Keywords

Navigation