Biofluorescence seen in colourful fire salamanders for the first time

 

Image courtesy of  Ant?nez Glez,  (CC BY-NC); Royal Society Open Science,

Joel Kontinen

Some salamanders have spectacular features, They have biofluorescence feature. It is an intelligent design device that  can warn  the salamanders of predators.   

For the first time, fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) have been shown to bio fluoresce, absorbing and re-emitting light at different wavelengths.

In this instance, 10 fire salamanders in Catalonia, Spain, gave off a blue-green glow after being exposed to ultraviolet light.

This ability had never been recorded in fire salamanders before, despite being a very well-studied species.

The fluorescence, which was produced by secretions from the salamanders’ skin glands, appeared primarily on the side and undersihe fluorescence, which was produced by secretions from the salamanders’ skin glands, appeared primarily on the side and underside of their bodies.

The researchers behind the work believe that this biofluorescence may help the animals to attract mates, or perhaps even protect themselves from predators.

Source: 

Michael Dalton 2026 Biofluorescence seen in colourful fire salamanders for the first time | New Scientist 3 June