The vision of jewel scarab beetles allows them to find each other while evading enemies thanks to the detection of circularly polarized light.

“According to researchers from the University of Texas, the jewel
scarab species Chrysina gloriosa can distinguish between
circularly polarized and unpolarized light. That ability could provide
the beetles with a tremendous advantage, the researchers say, because
most of the light reflected off these beetles’ colorful bodies happens
to be circularly polarized.

“‘The trait would allow the beetles to easily see each other while
simultaneously hiding from predators that cannot see circular polarized
light,’ said physicist Parrish Brady, who conducted the research with
Molly Cummings

“Because ability to see CP light is very rare in nature, it’s not likely
that any of the beetles’ predators can see it. So the ability to both
see and reflect CP light probably evolved to allow jewel scarabs to
communicate with each other while staying hidden from predators…” (Science Daily 2010)

http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/651593
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100419102924.htm

Last Updated August 18, 2016