noun
- plural of ocellus; simple eyes or eye-like structures found in many invertebrates and some vertebrates
- eye-like markings or spots on the wings or body of insects, birds, or other animals
Usage: biology; plural form
Usage: zoology
Examples
- The dragonfly has three ocelli arranged in a triangle on top of its head.
- Spiders use their ocelli to detect movement and navigate their environment.
- The peacock's tail feathers display hundreds of colorful ocelli.
- Many insects rely on ocelli for light detection rather than detailed vision.
- The caterpillar's ocelli are simple structures compared to its compound eyes.
- Researchers studied how the bee's ocelli help it maintain flight stability.