Most insects are sensitive to the ultra-violet spectrum. The high contrast UV markings of certain flowers provide visual cues to pollinators. Many insect bodies have UV reflecting patches that signal potential mates. The eyes of predatory birds can see these patches. Insects are too short-lived to be adversely affected by accumulative DNA damage. Vertebrate retinal cells are protected from harmful UV by the yellowish pigment of the fovea.

Polarized light strongest in the UV range. Many animals utilize UV for navigation. They are able to infer position of sun even in a cloudy sky.