Polarized Vision in the Eyes of the Most Effective Predators: Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata)

Overview

Journal Naturwissenschaften

Date 2025 Jan 21

PMID 39836264

Authors

Rodrigo Roucourt Cezario

Vinicius Marques Lopez

Felipe Datto-Liberato

Seth M Bybee

Stanislav Gorb

Rhainer Guillermo-Ferreira

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Polarization is a property of light that describes the oscillation of the electric field vector. Polarized light can be detected by many invertebrate animals, and this visual channel is widely used in nature. Insects rely on light polarization for various purposes, such as water detection, improving contrast, breaking camouflage, navigation, and signaling during mating. Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are highly visual insects with polarization sensitivity for water detection and likely also navigation. Thus, odonates can serve as ideal models for investigating the ecology and evolution of polarized light perception. We provide an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning polarized light sensitivity in these insects. Specifically, we review recent findings related to the ecological, morphological, and physiological causes that enable these insects to perceive polarized light and discuss the optical properties responsible for the reflection of polarized light by their bodies and wings. Finally, we identify gaps in the current research and suggest future directions that can help to further advance our knowledge of polarization sensitivity in odonates.

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