Recent research from Osaka Metropolitan University has unveiled a groundbreaking visual protein, enabling dragonflies to perceive deep red and near-infrared light. This discovery showcases an evolutionary parallel to human vision, hinting at exciting medical applications.

Humans perceive colors through a specific protein called opsin found in our eyes.

In humans, there are three distinct opsins responsible for color perception: blue, green, and red light.

Dragonflies possess notably enhanced red vision compared to most insects.

A recent study led by Professor Mitsumasa Koyanagi at Osaka Metropolitan University identified a unique dragonfly opsin that detects light wavelengths around 720 nm, extending beyond the visible spectrum’s deep red range.

“This is one of the most red-sensitive visual pigments ever found,” stated Professor Akihisa Terakita from Osaka Metropolitan University.

“Dragonflies likely see red light more profoundly than many other insects.”

The researchers posited that this heightened sensitivity assists dragonflies in identifying ideal mates.

To support this hypothesis, they measured the reflectance properties of surfaces, indicating how dragonflies visually perceive one another.

Findings reveal significant differences between male and female Asiatic gomphus melaenopus dragonflies, displaying reflectance from red to near-infrared light. This ability may promote quick differentiation between sexes during flight.

“Interestingly, the mechanism by which dragonfly red opsin detects red light mirrors that of mammals, including humans,” explained Ryu Sato, a graduate student at Osaka Metropolitan University.

“This surprises us and indicates an independent evolutionary development in vastly different species.”

The research team also identified a critical position within the protein that regulates light sensitivity.

By altering this position, they were able to enhance the sensitivity further, enabling the opsin to respond to light approaching the infrared spectrum.

They engineered a protein variant that reacts to even longer wavelengths, demonstrating activation of cells by near-infrared light.

These discoveries hold promise for the field of optogenetics, leveraging light-sensitive proteins to investigate various disease states.

Given that dragonfly opsins are responsive to longer light wavelengths, they could operate effectively in deeper tissue applications.

“In this research, we’ve successfully shifted the sensitivity of the modified near-infrared opsin found in the Odonata family to longer wavelengths, confirming that this opsin triggers cellular responses via near-infrared light,” noted Professor Koyanagi.

“This illustrates the potential of this opsin as an innovative optogenetic tool for deep tissue light detection.”

For further detailed insights, refer to the study published in January 2026 in the journal Cell and Molecular Life Sciences.

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Takashi Sato et al. 2026. Dragonfly red opsin shares a common regulatory mechanism with mammalian red opsin, further enhancing near-infrared sensitivity. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 83, 66; doi: 10.1007/s00018-025-06017-9