Insects vision science: every measurement

The vision values of all 67 insects on this site, one row each, with the evidence level of every value and the studies behind it. Species with enough measured values also have their own science page.

See insects on your photo

Who sees best among insects?

Sharpest detail

1You63.75 cycles per degree Measured
2Bull ant (Myrmecia tarsata)1.02 cycles per degree Measured
3Praying mantis1 cycles per degree Measured*
4Hummingbird hawk-moth0.77 cycles per degree Measured
5Tsetse fly (Glossina pallidipes)0.63 cycles per degree Measured
6Common eggfly0.57 cycles per degree Measured

Fastest eyes

1Dragonfly (Sympetrum flaveolum)300 Hz flicker fusion Measured
2Tsetse fly (Glossina pallidipes)282.5 Hz flicker fusion Measured
3Blowfly (Calliphora collini)240 Hz flicker fusion Measured
4Western honey bee220 Hz flicker fusion Measured
5Tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans)217.5 Hz flicker fusion Measured
6You60 Hz flicker fusion Measured

Measured values by dial

Dial	Species with a measured value
Colour	28
Sharpness	22
Field of view	0
Sharp zones (foveas)	2
Night vision	17
Motion (flicker fusion)	50

All insects, value by value

Evidence levels: how the tiers work. Studies: sources.

Vision values for insects, catalogue-v1
Species	Colour	Sharpness	Field of view	Sharp zones (foveas)	Night vision	Motion (flicker fusion)	Studies
African monarch Danaus chrysippus	8 receptor classes: 330 nm (UVS), 337.5 nm (UVS), 435 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 450 nm (SWS (blue)), 525 nm (MWS (green)), 537.5 nm (MWS (green)), 570 nm (LWS (long)), 610 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.52 cycles per degree Estimated 0.98° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	187.5 Hz Measured	nymphalid_mosaic_zen6193204, vanderkooi2021_supp, nymphalid2021_red_receptors, caves2018, fabrictools_arthropod_eyes, feller2021_surfturf
American cockroach science page Periplaneta americana	2 receptor classes: 365 nm (UVS), 507 nm (MWS (green)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	0.21 cycles per degree Measured 2.4° Measured	-	0 Group default none Group default	nocturnal Measured no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Derived	42.1 Hz Measured	vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, inger2014_tbl3, lafitte2022_s10
Angled castor Ariadne ariadne	8 receptor classes: 335 nm (UVS), 336 nm (UVS), 430 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 430 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 535 nm (MWS (green)), 549 nm (LWS (long)), 580 nm (LWS (long)), 617.5 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.52 cycles per degree Estimated 0.98° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	205 Hz Measured	nymphalid2022_opponent_ps, nymphalid_mosaic_zen6193204, nymphalid2021_red_receptors, caves2018, fabrictools_arthropod_eyes, feller2021_surfturf
Army green moth Daphnis nerii	3 receptor classes: 348.5 nm (UVS), 435 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 521 nm (MWS (green)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.31 cycles per degree Estimated 1.23° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	nocturnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	113.3 Hz Measured	hawkmoth2019_review, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, feller2021_surfturf, currea2023_oda, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, feuda2016_insect_opsins
Asian palm weevil science page Rhynchophorus ferrugineus	4 receptor classes: 366 nm (UVS), 521 nm (MWS (green)), 537 nm (MWS (green)), 564 nm (LWS (long)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	0.33 cycles per degree Measured 3.27° Group default	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Group default no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Group default	100 Hz Measured	vanderkooi2021_supp, feller2021_surfturf, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, ants2022_pale_nocturnal_eyes, feuda2016_insect_opsins
Asian swallowtail science page Papilio xuthus	5 receptor classes: 360 nm (UVS), 400 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 440 nm (SWS (blue)), 520 nm (MWS (green)), 600 nm (LWS (long)) Measured (not re-verified) yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured (not re-verified)	0.56 cycles per degree Estimated 0.9° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Measured no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Derived	107 Hz Measured	kelber2003_table1_manual2, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, lafitte2022_s10
Australian emperor dragonfly Anax papuensis	4 receptor classes: 354 nm (UVS), 380 nm (UVS), 442 nm (SWS (blue)), 503 nm (MWS (green)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	2.08 cycles per degree Estimated 0.24° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	57.1 Hz Measured	longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, haarlem2026_figshare
Autumn darter dragonfly Sympetrum frequens	2 receptor classes: 542 nm (LWS (long)), 557 nm (LWS (long)) Measured	1.46 cycles per degree Estimated 0.4° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	300 Hz Estimated	vpod_1.3_heterologous, caves2018, feller2021_surfturf, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, haarlem2026_figshare
Banded flower mantis Theopropus elegans	3 receptor classes: 356 nm (UVS), 441 nm (SWS (blue)), 525 nm (MWS (green)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	0.42 cycles per degree Group default 0.9° Group default	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Group default no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Group default	55.3 Hz Group default	mantis2025_spectral_classes, caves2018, fabrictools_arthropod_eyes, feller2021_surfturf, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1
Blowfly (Calliphora collini) Calliphora collini	5 receptor classes: 335 nm (UVS), 357.5 nm (UVS), 460 nm (SWS (blue)), 490 nm (MWS (green)), 530 nm (MWS (green)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.45 cycles per degree Estimated 1.1° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Group default no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Group default	240 Hz Measured	vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, feuda2016_insect_opsins, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, haarlem2026_figshare
Blowfly (Calliphora vicina) Calliphora vicina	5 receptor classes: 335 nm (UVS), 357.5 nm (UVS), 460 nm (SWS (blue)), 490 nm (MWS (green)), 530 nm (MWS (green)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	0.45 cycles per degree Measured 1.1° Measured	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Group default no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Group default	240 Hz Estimated	vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, feuda2016_insect_opsins, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, haarlem2026_figshare
Buff-tailed bumblebee science page Bombus terrestris	3 receptor classes: 347.5 nm (UVS), 435 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 533 nm (MWS (green)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	0.21 cycles per degree Measured (not re-verified) 1.2° Measured	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Measured no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Derived	220 Hz Estimated	vanderkooi2021_supp, apidae2019_spatial_vision, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, inger2014_tbl3, lafitte2022_s10
Bull ant (Myrmecia croslandi) Myrmecia croslandi	3 receptor classes: 370 nm (UVS), 470 nm (SWS (blue)), 550 nm (LWS (long)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	1.02 cycles per degree Estimated 1.7° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	cathemeral Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	188.7 Hz Measured	vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, fabrictools_arthropod_eyes, feller2021_surfturf, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1
Bull ant (Myrmecia gulosa) science page Myrmecia gulosa	2 receptor classes: 412 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 540 nm (LWS (long)) Measured	0.29 cycles per degree Measured 1.7° Measured	-	0 Group default none Group default	cathemeral Measured no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Derived	151.6 Hz Measured	longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, haarlem2026_figshare
Bull ant (Myrmecia midas) Myrmecia midas	2 receptor classes: 412 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 540 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated	1.02 cycles per degree Estimated 1.7° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	cathemeral Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	84.6 Hz Measured	longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, fabrictools_arthropod_eyes, feller2021_surfturf, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526
Bull ant (Myrmecia tarsata) Myrmecia tarsata	2 receptor classes: 412 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 540 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated	1.02 cycles per degree Measured 1.7° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	cathemeral Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	162.6 Hz Measured	longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, vanderkooi2021_supp, feller2021_surfturf, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, haarlem2026_figshare
Bull ant (Myrmecia vindex) Myrmecia vindex	3 receptor classes: 370 nm (UVS), 450 nm (SWS (blue)), 550 nm (LWS (long)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	1.02 cycles per degree Estimated 1.7° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	cathemeral Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	125.2 Hz Measured	vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, fabrictools_arthropod_eyes, feller2021_surfturf, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1
Coffee bee hawkmoth Cephonodes hylas	3 receptor classes: 380 nm (UVS), 460 nm (SWS (blue)), 520 nm (MWS (green)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	0.31 cycles per degree Estimated 1.23° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	nocturnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	105 Hz Measured	vanderkooi2021_supp, feller2021_surfturf, currea2023_oda, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, feuda2016_insect_opsins, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1
Commander Moduza procris	3 receptor classes: 356.5 nm (UVS), 445 nm (SWS (blue)), 530 nm (MWS (green)) Group default yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Group default	-	-	-	no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Group default	199 Hz Measured	fritillary_mosaic_zen5893429, hawkmoth2019_review, kelber2003_table1_manual2, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, lord2016_buprestid_opsins, luxR_0.1.1_species_sensitivities
Common banded awl Hasora chromus	3 receptor classes: 380 nm (UVS), 460 nm (SWS (blue)), 520 nm (MWS (green)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.26 cycles per degree Estimated 2° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	147.3 Hz Measured	longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, caves2018, fabrictools_arthropod_eyes, feller2021_surfturf, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, sondhi2021_lepidoptera_opsins
Common bluebottle butterfly Graphium sarpedon	10 receptor classes: 360 nm (UVS), 400 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 460 nm (SWS (blue)), 480 nm (MWS (green)), 500 nm (MWS (green)), 540 nm (LWS (long)), 560 nm (LWS (long)), 580 nm (LWS (long)), 600 nm (LWS (long)), 640 nm (LWS (long)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	0.635 cycles per degree Estimated 0.8° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Measured no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Derived	107 Hz Estimated	longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, lafitte2022_s10
Common crow Euploea core	8 receptor classes: 335 nm (UVS), 336 nm (UVS), 430 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 430 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 535 nm (MWS (green)), 549 nm (LWS (long)), 580 nm (LWS (long)), 617.5 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.51 cycles per degree Estimated 0.98° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	208 Hz Measured	nymphalid2022_opponent_ps, nymphalid_mosaic_zen6193204, nymphalid2021_red_receptors, feller2021_surfturf, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526
Common eggfly Hypolimnas bolina	8 receptor classes: 335 nm (UVS), 336 nm (UVS), 430 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 430 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 535 nm (MWS (green)), 549 nm (LWS (long)), 580 nm (LWS (long)), 617.5 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.57 cycles per degree Measured 0.98° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	182 Hz Measured	nymphalid2022_opponent_ps, nymphalid_mosaic_zen6193204, nymphalid2021_red_receptors, feller2021_surfturf, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526
Common emigrant Catopsilia pomona	11 receptor classes: 361 nm (UVS), 413 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 413 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 453 nm (SWS (blue)), 458.5 nm (SWS (blue)), 520 nm (MWS (green)), 558 nm (LWS (long)), 560 nm (LWS (long)), 620 nm (LWS (long)), 651 nm (LWS (long)), 662 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.51 cycles per degree Estimated 1.26° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	154.5 Hz Measured	colias2010_photoreceptors, vanderkooi2021_supp, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, caves2018, feller2021_surfturf, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526
Common evening brown Melanitis leda	8 receptor classes: 335 nm (UVS), 336 nm (UVS), 430 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 430 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 535 nm (MWS (green)), 549 nm (LWS (long)), 580 nm (LWS (long)), 617.5 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.35 cycles per degree Measured 1.44° Measured	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	200.9 Hz Measured	nymphalid2022_opponent_ps, nymphalid_mosaic_zen6193204, nymphalid2021_red_receptors, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, feuda2016_insect_opsins
Common green bottle fly Lucilia sericata	1 receptor class: 480 nm (MWS (green)) Measured	0.405 cycles per degree Estimated 1.25° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Group default no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Group default	240 Hz Estimated	vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, feuda2016_insect_opsins, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, haarlem2026_figshare
Common jezebel Delias eucharis	11 receptor classes: 361 nm (UVS), 413 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 413 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 453 nm (SWS (blue)), 458.5 nm (SWS (blue)), 520 nm (MWS (green)), 558 nm (LWS (long)), 560 nm (LWS (long)), 620 nm (LWS (long)), 651 nm (LWS (long)), 662 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.51 cycles per degree Estimated 1.26° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	140.4 Hz Measured	colias2010_photoreceptors, vanderkooi2021_supp, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, caves2018, feller2021_surfturf, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526
Common mormon Papilio polytes	5 receptor classes: 360 nm (UVS), 400 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 440 nm (SWS (blue)), 520 nm (MWS (green)), 600 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.56 cycles per degree Estimated 0.9° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	diurnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	174.8 Hz Measured	kelber2003_table1_manual2, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, vanderkooi2021_supp, caves2018, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, sondhi2021_lepidoptera_opsins
Common owl-moth Eupatula macrops	3 receptor classes: 356.5 nm (UVS), 445 nm (SWS (blue)), 530 nm (MWS (green)) Group default yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Group default	-	-	-	no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Group default	106.5 Hz Measured	fritillary_mosaic_zen5893429, hawkmoth2019_review, kelber2003_table1_manual2, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, lord2016_buprestid_opsins, luxR_0.1.1_species_sensitivities
Convolvus hawkmoth Agrius convolvuli	3 receptor classes: 348.5 nm (UVS), 435 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 521 nm (MWS (green)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	0.31 cycles per degree Estimated 1.23° Estimated	-	0 Group default none Group default	nocturnal Estimated no rods (invertebrate photoreceptors) Estimated	174.8 Hz Measured	hawkmoth2019_review, longcore2023_photopigments_v1.1, feller2021_surfturf, currea2023_oda, dance_fly_eyes_zen5017526, feuda2016_insect_opsins

Method: how we know what animals see. Accuracy: the census.