Structure and functional aspects of the scotopic compound eye of the sugarcane borer moth

Abstract

Morphology and functional aspects of the scotopic compound eye of the moth Diatraea saccharalis, studied using light and electron microscopy, is presented. An ommatidium is composed of a laminate corneal lens, four Semper cells, a refractive cone, two primary pigment cells, six screening pigment cells, a crystalline tract that functions as an optical waveguide, and six to eight sensory retinular cells. Accessory light regulators consist of screening pigment cells that, in the dark-adapted position, increase receptor sensitivity by permitting light rays to cross over to adjacent ommatidia and specialized tracheal regions that enhance sensitivity by reflecting light back toward sensory receptors.