Abstract: Insects use subtle and complex visual systems to capture spectral information and guide life activities. Spectral sensitivity of insect describes the relationship between the threshold of insect response to light stimulation and wavelength, which is the physiological basis and necessary condition for the generation of sensitive wavelength. The sensitive wavelength is the light wave with the strong reaction at the physiological or behavioral level of insects, which is the special and specific manifestation of spectral sensitivity. Understanding the physiological basis of insect spectral sensitivity can effectively guide the determination of sensitive wavelength. In this review, we summarized the physiological basis of insect spectral sensitivity, analyzed the intrinsic influence of each link in the photosensitive process on spectral sensitivity, and summarized and compared the measurement methods and research results about the sensitive wavelength of different insect species. The optimal scheme of the sensitive wavelength measurement based on the analysis of the key influencing factors can provide references for the development and improvement of light trapping and control technology. Finally, we proposed that neurological research of spectral sensitivity of insect should be strengthened in the future.

Key words: insect, spectral sensitivity, sensitive wavelength, light trap, behavior, electroretinogram