Abstract
Caste polymorphs of the ant Camponotus compressus (Fabricius, 1798) are distinct by their morphology and life styles; the two distinct castes are largely nocturnal and rely on their visual sensory system to interpret their temporal niches. The compound eyes of the castes were explored through Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in order to delineate cast specific organisation and adaptations of the compound eye. The findings reveal that major workers of C. compressus possess a more sophisticated visual system in terms of its morphological features along with optical properties that enhances a better vision, which includes a greater number of ommatidia and high ommatidial density, a higher ommatidial diameter, low inter ommatidial angle and a more efficient pupillary mechanism to counter conditions where ambient light levels are high. This underlines the dependence of scouts (major workers) on visual system and the foragers on olfactory system in the species.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.