Story perspectives

Dragonflies Evolve Red Vision for Mating, Study Finds

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that dragonflies detect red light like mammals, via an opsin that responds near 720 nm.
This finding shows parallel evolution in red vision among dragonflies, which may help them identify mates through subtle visual cues.
The team also engineered a modified opsin that responds to near-infrared light, broadening optogenetics.
The study was published in January 2026 in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that dragonflies detect red light like mammals, via an opsin that responds near 720 nm.
This finding shows parallel evolution in red vision among dragonflies, which may help them identify mates through subtle visual cues.
The team also engineered a modified opsin that responds to near-infrared light, broadening optogenetics.
The study was published in January 2026 in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.