compound eye (oculus)

Classification · Identification · See Also · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

No Taxon (Glossary --use Taxonomy, then Info tabs to view entries)

No Taxon (C)

No Taxon compound eye (oculus)

Identification

compound eye(s) - the two large many-faceted eyes placed on each side of the head of insects, besides which they may also possess simple eyes (ocelli). Compound eyes consist of numerous hexagonal facets, the lenses of which combine the characters of both crystalline and vitreous humours. The individual visual elements are called ommatidia (singular ommatidium). Compound eyes are sometimes called oculi (singular oculus), or simply, eyes. The compound eyes are particularly prominent in certain Diptera (flies) and Ddonata (dragonflies and damselflies).

Illustrations and photos showing compound eyes:

See Also

head

compound eyes (oculus)

ocellus, ocelli

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 220 (1)

Internet References

Jardine's Dictionary of Entomology

Wikipedia: Compound eye, Ommatidium

The Compound Eye--Kimball's Biology Pages

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology By George Gordh, David H. Headrick

Contributed by Cotinis on 22 May, 2007 - 8:57pm
Additional contributions by Tony-2
Last updated 25 February, 2008 - 4:50pm

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