Opsin is the main content of photoactive substances,and it is important for the light perception of animals.Total RNA was isolated from the third day adult of the Agrotis ypsilon.The cDNA sequence was cloned by RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE).UV opsin cDNA sequence is 1 632 bp in length,containing an open reading frame of 1 140 bp,which encodes a polypeptide of 379 amino acids residues.The predicted molecular weight of the amino acid is about 41.50 ku,with an isoelectric point of 7.56.GenBank accession number: JN185654.The analysis of phylogenetic relationship showed that the cloned gene had high amino acid sequences homology with other insect UV opsins.The molecular cloning of UV opsin gene may play an important role in the study of nocturnal insect vision in the night.