Insect Vision

Insect vision unlike human vision uses multifaceted lens in a structure referred to as compound eyes.  These compound eyes are composed of smaller units called ommatidia.  Each ommatidium is composed a retinal cell, a crystalline cone, up to eight rhabdomeres and a sensory neuron.  Light collected by the ommatidia are then used to generate a mosaic image in the insect brain. Many insects also have smaller light sensing structures called ocelli.  Ocelli are often found in larval forms of holometabolous insects and are primitive eyes used primarily for sensing changes in light as they lack .

Many insects can see color as well as perceive wavelengths of light imperceptible to the human eye.  For example, honey bees (A. mellifera ) can detect ultraviolet light.  The additional wavelengths often can provide "nectar trails" that are invisible to the human eye (Stanley, 2014).  A comparison of floral colors between humans and honey bees can be found here.   Also, if you've ever wanted to experience vision through the eyes of a bee (because who hasn't, right?) visit this site.

Works Cited:

Stanley, C.  2012.  Honey bee navigation.  Utah PESTS News Vol. IV, Winter 2012.