Luminance-dependent visual processing enables moth flight in low light
Abstract
Moths are typically active during dawn and dusk when light levels are low and vision is challenging. Slower visual response times can allow for greater light sensitivity, but flying insects are both moving and tracking moving targets, making such tradeoffs potentially problematic. Using a combination of modeling and experiments, Sponberg et al. show that moths are able to avoid this potential decrease in visual acuity (see the Perspective by Warrant). This is because the point at which their perception of movement would be compromised is just above the natural frequency at which flowers sway. Thus, insect vision is precisely adapted to the light and movement conditions of their environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2015
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.aaa3042
Entities
People
- Jonathan P. Dyhr
- Robert W. Hall
- Simon Sponberg
- Thomas L. Daniel
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- Army Research Office
- Georgia Tech
- National Science Foundation
- Northwest University
- Office of Naval Research
- University of Washington