Rhythmic changes in structure and function of the compound eye in the migratory locust

Abstract

The angular sensitivity of the retinula cells and morphological changes between the cone and the retinula cell of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, have been measured and observed in the lateral region of the compound eye with intercellular electrode recording and light microscope at dark and light adapted states in day and night times. The results show that the changes in angular sensitivity are determined not only by the migration of pigment granules in primary pigment cells surrounding the cone, but also by the rhythmic change in rhabdom structure.