Spectral correspondence between visual spectral sensitivity and bioluminescence emission spectra in the click beetle Pyrophorus punctatissimus (Coleoptera: Elateridae).
The presence of two spectral mechanisms, near-ultraviolet and green (lambda(max)=545nm), is strongly suggested by electroretinographic visual spectral sensitivity curves obtained under dark and red chromatic adaptation conditions in the compound eyes of the click beetle Pyrophorus punctatissimus. The bioluminescence emission of the dorsal prothoracic lanterns is deep green (lambda(max)=543nm) and that of the ventral abdominal lantern is lime green (lambda(max)=556nm) in colour in P. punctatissimus. A broad green visual receptor would detect both deep green and lime green bioluminescent optical signals.
Lall
AB
Department of Biology, Howard University, 415 College Street, N.W., Washington, DC, USA
Ventura
DS
Bechara
EJ
de Souza JM
Colepicolo-Neto
P
Viviani
VR