The blue bottle butterfly ( Graphium sarpedon ) has 15 types of photoreceptors that are sensitive to ultraviolet light and light visible to the human eye.
In this way, the butterfly overcomes the two photoreceptors in the eyes of cats, dogs and horses; all three of humans; and all four of most birds.
Photoreceptors
The blue bottle maripsa is native to South Asia and Australia, and is used to living in the jungle canopy. Having such a large number of photoreceptors allows it to detect a huge variety of colors .
Thus, the Graphium sarpedon species have a receptor for ultraviolet light, another for violet, three that respond to different types of blue light, one for blue / green, four for green light and five for variations of red.
The researchers suggest that blue bottle butterflies use only four classes of photoreceptors during their routine viewing, while the rest are used to detect very specific stimuli in the environment. For example, fast-moving objects against the sky or colorful objects hidden in vegetation .
The eyes of blue bottle butterflies are large and, together with their iridescent bluish-green wings, are used for visual communication, evidencing their excellent degree of perception .
The butterfly is also known for fast flight and quick reactions. Consequently, it is difficult to catch. Their diet includes decaying animal droppings and insect carcasses.