An Exceptionally Well Preserved Eocene Dolichopodid Fly Eye: Function And Evolutionary Significance

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Veterinary;  Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 17 Dec 2008 - 1:00 PST

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The exceptionally preserved eyes of an Eocene dolichopodid fly contained in Baltic amber show remarkable detail, including features at micron and submicron level.

Based on this material we establish that it is likely that the neural superposition compound eye existed as far back at 45 Ma. The ommatidia have an open rhabdom with a trapezoidal arrangement of seven rhabdomeres.

Such a structure is uniquely characteristic of the neural superposition compound eye of present-day flies. Optical analysis reveals that the fossil eyes had a sophisticated and efficient optical system.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences