An optical connector includes a first engaging member holding at least one first optical fiber to guide light from a light source, a second engaging member holding a second optical fiber to be optically connected to the first optical fiber, and configured to be engaged with the first engaging member, and a light shield member provided near an emission end of the first optical fiber, at such a position as to shield light from the first optical fiber at disengagement of the engaging members. The light shield member is pushed by the second engaging member at engagement of the engaging members, so as to be folded and evacuated in a gap. The light shield member includes a light absorption member to absorb light and to generate heat, a thermal diffusion member to diffuse and radiate the heat, and a base supporting the light absorption member and thermal diffusion member.