Cephalopods (octopus, squid, and cuttlefish) are a unique group of animals in Mollusks. Their visual system and brain organization are the most sophisticated among all invertebrates. Their dynamic color changes used for camouflage and intra-species communication are a distinctive feature in the animal kingdom. These changes result from a special sensorimotor system that can quickly change the animal’s skin coloration via neural control of numerous chromatophore organs within the dermis. This sensorimotor system is organized hierarchically via a set of lobes within the brain. The optic lobe is the motor command center that selects specific body patterns for appropriate camouflage and communication behaviors. Despite the detailed anatomical studies of the cephalopod brain in the past, little is known about the optic lobe’s functional organization and neural control of the various body patterns by the optic lobe. The sophisticated visual system and brain organization also reflect on their exquisite visual communication and cognitive function. Despite the extensive behavioral studies of the cephalopod body patterning (graphic language) and intelligence (visual cognition), little is known about the core structure of information processing in visual communication and cognitive behaviors. Thus, the specific aims of this project are: (1) to examine the neural organization of the optic lobe for dynamic body patterning in cephalopods, and (2) to explore the neural basis of visual behavior for effective communication and decision making in cephalopods. By using cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) and oval squids (Sepioteuthis lessoniana), we will structurally image the optic lobes via MRI scan and functionally map the optic lobes via electrical stimulation or lesion to systematically study the internal organization and neural mechanism of the optic lobe underlying the body pattern control in cephalopods. We will also analyze the visual signals of body patterning in squids during reproductive behavior and characterize the visual context of prey choice in cuttlefish during foraging behavior to understand the structure and function of information processing underlying conspecific communication and decision making in cephalopods. This neuroethological approach will provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of cephalopod’s sensorimotor integration and cognitive function. By exploring the potential of cephalopod biology with specific aims to reveal the neural underpinnings of visual behaviors, this project expects to contribute to our understanding of the sensorimotor control and cognitive process in animal and robotic systems.