At least 125 species of mammals glow when they are under ultraviolet (UV) light, according to a new study. This phenomenon, called fluorescence, had been previously observed in several other animals, including jellyfish and scorpions. However, scientists have learned that the trait is surprisingly common in mammals.
UV light is all around us, including in the Sun’s rays, but it usually cannot be seen by human eyes. However, when UV light shines on substances called phosphors, they reflect visible light and appear to glow in the dark.
Researchers in Western Australia studied a wide range of mammals, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and leopards, under UV light. They found that the fur, skin, spines, and nails of many animals showed some degree of fluorescence.
Only white or light-colored fur was…
