PHOTORECEPTOR AXONS AND OPTIC NEUROPILS IN LITHOBIUS-FORFICATUS (LINNAEUS, 1758) (CHILOPODA, LITHOBIIDAE)

Two types of central projections originating from the lateral ocelli h ave been identified in Lithobius: First, shore retinula axons terminat e within the first optic neuropil or lamina. They possess varicose swe llings throughout the depth of the neuropil. Second, long axons pass t hrough the first neuropil and terminate within the medulla, where up t o five long collaterals are found that diverge to various synaptic sit es. A comparison with other Arthropoda suggests that the presence of b oth short and long retinula axons might be a common feature of the man dibulates' lateral visual system, while divergence of the long visual fibers appears to be a unique myriapodan character.