Original paper
Polarisationsempfindlichkeit rhabdomerialer Systeme in den Hauptaugen der Trichterspinne Agelena gracilens (Arachnida: Araneae: Agelenidae)
[Polarisation Sensitivity of Rhabdomeric Systems in the Principal Eyes of the Funnel Spider Agelena gracilens (Arachnida: Araneae: Agelenidae)]
Schröer, Wolfgang-Dietmar
Entomologica Germanica Band 3 Heft 1-2 (1976), p. 88 - 92
9 references
published: Oct 4, 1976
DOI: 10.1127/entom.germ/3/1976/88
ArtNo. ESP346000301008, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
Electron microscopic investigations in the retinal fine structure of the principal eyes of Agelena gracilens C. L. Koch 1841 (A. similis Keyserling 1863) show a conspicious dimorphism. The ventral sensory cells, which are considered responsible for analysing the E-vector of polarized daylight, have developed rhabdomeres on only one or on two opposite sides parallel to the cell’s long axis, at which the alignment of the microvilli is almost coincident. The central and dorso-peripheral receptors, in contrast, have rhabdomeres on more than two sides (3, 4, seldom 5), with varying alignment of the microvilli. These structural characteristics lead to the conclusion that the former should be capable of high polarisation sensitivity (PS) whilst the latter are prepared for partial or total repression of PS. The conceivable alignment patterns of rhabdomeric microvilli are theoretically discussed with respect to their functional meaning for E-vector analysis.