Summary
The superposition eye of the sphingid moth, Manduca sexta was explored by means of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Specifically examined were the corneal nipple array, corneal lens, crystalline cones and tracts, photoreceptor cells and their axons. Descriptions of the external ultrastructure of the components were correlated, where possible with previously published accounts of internal ultrastructure as obtained from TEM studies. A key finding was the demonstration of the axial rotation of the eccentrically situated retinular cell, its externally noted prominence and the arrangement of the other photoreceptor cells composing the retinula. Because of the interest in superposition eye theory, the functional significance of various preretinular optic components was reviewed where it specifically related to Manduca.
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We acknowledge the fine technical assistance of Mrs. Mary Fisher. Research was supported by AFOSR 71-2065 and USPH ITL GM 1076.
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Carlson, S.D., Larsen, J.R. Scanning electron microscopy of the insect compound eye. Z.Zellforsch 126, 446–453 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306905
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306905