Why do insects have eyes with thousands of lenses?

The majority of mature insects, including bees and dragonflies, have two enormous compound eyes with distinct lenses. These eyes can have thousands of lenses. They all aim in various directions, giving the insect an extremely broad field of view. The lenses also assist the insect in seeing movement, allowing it to respond rapidly to grasp prey or flee danger. You may see this for yourself by attempting to swat a fly in your home—really it's tough to catch a flying creature!