desert bugs - Top That! Publishing

THE EYES HAVE IT
To make up for their size, insects have highly developed senses, which mean
they can see and hear things that humans can’t. If you are able to look at an
insect under the microscope, look into its eyes – they really are incredible!
What can a fly see
Nobody really knows what a fly can see or how far,
but scientists do know that each compound eye
comprises hundreds of single eye facets. The fly can
see even the slightest movement, which makes it
extremely difficult for predators to catch and eat it.
A fly can see even the slightest movement.
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What are insect eyes like
Insects can have two types of eyes: compound eyes and
simple eyes, and some have both types. Simple eyes
help the insect tell the difference between light and
dark. Compound eyes are made up of thousands of
lenses, which scientists believe let insects see things in a
mosaic kind of picture. Although these eyes, unlike
those of humans, are fixed in one place, the lenses
allow insects to get a great picture of what’s around
them, and can detect the slightest movement very easily.
Which insect has the best eyesight
Scientists believe that insects are very short-sighted, as
their eyes cannot move in their sockets or focus like
ours. Butterflies can see up to 2 m (6 ft) away, whereas
a bee can see up to just 50 cm (20 in.). In terms of the
ability to detect exactly what’s around
them, the eyes of a dragonfly
are perhaps the most
impressive. Its compound
eyes allow them to dart
around and catch their
prey mid-flight without
bumping in to anything.
A dragonfly has
compound eyes.