Beetle mystery solved: Which species actually see red?

Beetle mystery solved: Which species actually see red?

What's going on in the world of beetles? Recent research shows that some insects can see more nuances of color than many of us thought. An international research team has discovered that the beetle speciesPygopleurus chrysonotusandPygopleurus syriacus, who live in the eastern Mediterranean, are able to perceive the color red. This is particularly notable because the majority of insects, including bees, do not enjoy the color red and instead respond more to ultraviolet light reflected from red flowers. According to these new findings, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, the visual system of beetles becomes much more flexible than previously thought. The article from Popular Science reports that…

Zoology professor Johannes Spaethe from the University of Würzburg, one of the co-authors of the study, describes this discovery as a basis for new applications in visual ecology and the evolution of floral signals. He explains that the experimental methods used to confirm these abilities included a so-called color study, behavioral experiments and electrophysiological studies. These methods revealed that the beetles have four types of light receptors in their retinas: for UV light, blue light, green light and long waves of red light. This means that they are able to specifically seek out red flowers such as buttercups, anemones and poppies, which has a positive effect on their food intake.

New perspectives on the beetle groups

The two beetle species are part of the family Glaphyridae, which is considered an interesting model for the scientific study of visual ecology. This family, as well as the genera Eulasia and Glaphyrus, show different color preferences. In addition to red, colors such as purple, white and yellow are also among the colors that these beetles prefer. The researchers have now opened a new dimension in the debate about adapted flower colors, because the tests show that the beetles' preferences may adapt to the rate of evolution of pollinators. It becomes clear that the evolutionary connections between flower color and insect perception systems would remain exciting to observe. The report on idw-online.de highlights that…

These discoveries could play a role not only in pollinator research, but also in the conservation of ecological systems. Knowledge of the interactions between beetles and flowering plants can help maintain balance in habitats. Beetles are the most diverse group of animals with around 350,000 recorded species worldwide. The diversity of beetles is also remarkable in Germany, with 6,537 species. Information about their food intake and natural enemies such as birds and other insects is essential to understanding the role that beetles play in our ecosystems. Pinterest offers a nice collection of the variety of beetle species...