Evolution of Insect Color Vision: From Spectral Sensitivity to Visual Ecology

Color vision is widespread among insects but varies species, depending on the spectral sensitivities and interplay of participating photoreceptors. The sensitivity a photoreceptor principally determined by absorption spectrum expressed visual pigment, it can be modified various optical electrophysiological factors. For example, screening filtering pigments, rhabdom waveguide properties, retinal structure, neural processing all influence perceived color signal. We review diversity in compound eye physiology, ecology insects. Based an overview current information about insect photoreceptors, covering 221 species 13 orders, we discuss evolution highlight present knowledge gaps promising future research directions field.