Sunflower in Simulated Insect Vision

A Sunflower seen in simulated insect vision. In this image the UV reflectivity from the flower has been added to a normal human vision image to create one interpretation of what an insect might see. The image shows the different patterns on the flower petals as perceived by insects that can see well into the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. These special patterns that have evolved to attract insects to the flower are called honey guides. This image is part of a series showing the same flower in ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, insect vision, and simulated bee vision.

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Filename: K19Flower-F-4520Bug.jpg
Copyright: Ted Kinsman / Science Source Inc.
Image Size: 4168x3648 / 7.7MB; nature flower helianthus herbaceous Oil plant plants seed seeds sunflower sunflower seed sunflower seeds sunflower yellow Series UV vision insect bee ultraviolet beyond vision honey guides petals spectrum light physics insect insect vision
Contained in galleries: Ultra Violet UV Sunflowers

A Sunflower seen in simulated insect vision. In this image the UV reflectivity from the flower has been added to a normal human vision image to create one interpretation of what an insect might see. The image shows the different patterns on the flower petals as perceived by insects that can see well into the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. These special patterns that have evolved to attract insects to the flower are called honey guides. This image is part of a series showing the same flower in ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, insect vision, and simulated bee vision.