Where Is Ocelli Located?

The word ocelli is derived from the Latin word ocellus

and means little eye. The ocelli are simple eyes that bees use to orientate themselves towards the sun. Located in a triangular shape are two dorsal ocelli and one central ocelli. They are located dorsally on the bees head (see images above for location).

How many ocelli are there?

We know from studies in flies that there are three ocelli (Figure 1) to sample light levels at different but slightly overlapping patches in the upper visual hemisphere.

What is ocelli in biology?

Ocelli (singular Ocellus) are simple photo-receptors (light detecting organs). They consist of a single lens and several sensory cells. Unlike compound eyes, ocelli do not form a complex image of the environment but are used to detect movement. Most arthropods possess ocelli.