Eye morphology reflects habitat demands in three closely related ground beetle species (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Abstract

Abstract Asaphidion flavipes , A. curtum , and A. stierlini , which are similar in shape and size, were compared for morphological measurements of the head and eyes. The species not only differ in body size but also in the relative length of their antenna, the surface area of their compound eyes, the number and density of their ommatidia, and the structure of their visual space. These differences can be interpreted functionally and correlate well with features of the various habitats in which the species are found.