![]() One thing to note: moonlight transmits UV light. Why scorpions developed this trait is subject to much speculation. What’s more, even fossilized hyaline fluoresces!” ( Source) And the hyaline layer is amazingly durable: It can survive millions of years, Stockwell says it’s often found in scorpion fossils even when all other parts of the cuticle have vanished. When scorpions are preserved in alcohol, the liquid itself sometimes glows under UV light. “Whatever its source, the glowing property is surprisingly long-lasting. Stockwell, this could mean that the substance that causes fluorescence is a byproduct of the hardening process itself, or it might be secreted not long after the creature molts. ![]() These chemicals may help the exoskeleton become impermeable. Young scorpions and recently molted scorpions don’t glow until the cuticle hardens. So, why do they glow? There are really two questions here: 1) what is the mechanism, and 2) does it provide some advantage or protection?Ī hyaline coating (cuticle) on the exoskeleton of a scorpion contains beta-carboline and 4-methyl, 7-hydroxycoumarin which absorb UV light and retransmit it as visible bluish-green light. For a more general article on scorpions, see Scorpions, Vinegaroons, and Sun Spiders If you take a “black light” outside on a summer night, you may be surprised about how many scorpions you find. Note: ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies.All scorpions glow a bluish-green under ultraviolet (UV) light. The authors acknowledge funding from the Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant from The Japan Science Society. Compared with the two previously identified fluorescent compounds, the new molecule likely contributes more weakly to scorpion fluorescence, the scientists say. This finding suggests that the new molecule, which the researchers found in several additional scorpion species, could help guard against parasitic infections in these creatures. They purified the compound showing the most intense fluorescence and identified its structure, which was a phthalate ester previously shown to have antifungal and anti-parasitic properties in other organisms. To find out, the researchers extracted compounds from molted exoskeletons of the scorpion Liocheles australasiae, using chemical conditions different from those used in prior experiments. Masahiro Miyashita and colleagues wondered if there might be other fluorescent molecules with different chemical properties that were missed in previous studies. Until now, only two fluorescent compounds, β-carboline and 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, had been identified in scorpions’ hard outer shell, or exoskeleton. More than 60 years ago, scientists first recognized scorpions’ propensity to glow under UV light. The team says that the compound could protect these arachnids from parasites. ![]() ![]() Now, researchers reporting in ACS’ Journal of Natural Products have identified a new fluorescent compound from scorpion exoskeletons. Scientists aren’t sure how this fluorescence benefits the creatures, but some have speculated that it acts as a sunscreen, or helps them find mates in the dark. Most scorpions glow a blue-green color when illuminated by ultraviolet light or natural moonlight. “ A Fluorescent Compound from the Exuviae of the Scorpion, Liocheles australasiae” ![]()
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