cDNA clones encoding opsins from compound eyes oi carpenter ant, Campo
notus abdominalis, and Saharan silver ant, Cataglyphis bombycina, were
isolated from cDNA libraries. The opsin cDNAs from each species code
for deduced proteins with 378 amino acids which are 99% identical. Of
the 30 amino acid differences between the two proteins, 13 are non-con
servative. Eight oi these non-conservative substitutions are within th
e membrane spanning domain. The presence of a potential Schiff-base co
unterion in helix III in both species suggests that these opsins are t
he protein moiety oi the visible range pigments. When compared to all
known opsins, these opsins are most similar to the opsin from preying
mantis (76% identity at the amino acid level). Phyletic comparisons gr
oup the two ant opsins with the other arthropod long wavelength opsins
.