#biofluorescence

Deadly Allure

Much like flowers, many carnivorous plants utilize ultraviolet light (UV) reflectance patterns to lure insects. Although an abundant component of sunlight, UV is invisible to humans but it is highly conspicuous to the insect eye. Here at nightfall, a UV torch reveals a normally hidden fluorescence of blue light on the pitchers of Nepenthes mirabilis. Although this fluorescence itself may not be strong enough in the day to attract insects, its presence shows patterns in UV reflectance which may guide prey to the nectar-rich portions of the pitcher, such as the peristome and underside of the lid. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo)

MILLIPEDES GLOW IN THE DARK

A threatened cherry millipede coils into a defensive posture. This one looks entirely different in the beam of a regular flashlight (l) compared to the fluorescence displayed under a UV (ultraviolet) blacklight.

Read more: https://whitgibbons.com/millipedes

Cetrelia cetrarioides - one of the sea-storm lichens. Can be told apart from three othe similar species (in the UK) by the very bright electric blue fluorescence under uv lighting.

Biofluorescence may be widespread among amphibians

Biofluorescence, where organisms emit a fluorescent glow after absorbing light energy, may be widespread in amphibians including salamanders and frogs, according to a study in Scientific Reports.

Previous research has shown that biofluorescence is common in various animals like cnidarians, arthropods, and certain fishes. However, not much has been explored about its presence in land-dwelling creatures. Now, exciting new studies reveal that biofluorescence is widespread among amphibians, especially salamanders! These amazing creatures, found mostly in the northern hemisphere, exhibit a variety of glowing patterns. Under blue light, salamanders emit green light, creating stunning fluorescent displays. This glow is not limited to any specific family of salamanders, showcasing incredible diversity. The discovery of biofluorescence in these vertebrates opens up new avenues for research into their ecology, evolution, and behavior...

Read more:

Did you know that common garden snails glow when you shine the right kind of light on them? This is a process known as biofluorescence, the production of fluorescence by living things.

In this case, the snail was illuminated by a heavily filtered UV flashlight. The shell goes a creamy peach, and the flesh goes vibrant Hulk green.

Fun fact: their slime is also green!