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Envio curiosidades sobre um animal pouco estimado, publicação da autoria de Gabi Saraiva, 9ºI, na subcategoria "Did you know? Now you know".

Scorpions glow in the dark under the ultraviolet rays

If you ever had the need to shine an ultraviolet light on a scorpion, you probably noticed that it glowed. But why?

• What makes scorpions glow under black light?

Do scorpions glow? Yes. It’s a bit more difficult to explain the reasons. In fact, scientists are still working on finding a firm answer to that question.

Scientists know that something in the scorpions’ exoskeletons cause them to glow. Scorpions have an outer layer called a “cuticle.” Unlike the cuticles on your fingers, which are made of hard or dead skin, the cuticle on a scorpion is a part of its exoskeleton. It has a thin section called the “hyaline layer.” The hyaline layer is what reacts to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as black light or moonlight, and causes the scorpion’s body to glow.

But scientists still don’t know if the glowing material comes from a chemical reaction in the hardening process of the cuticles or if the scorpions actually secrete the glowing substance.

• Why do scorpions need to glow?

• So why would a scorpion need to glow in the first place? Scientists haven’t got an answer to this mystery. One of the most interesting hypotheses is that the scorpion uses its exoskeleton as a giant eye. Probably, the scorpions use their exoskeletons to detect UV light, so that they know when it’s night and time to eat.

Some of the other hypotheses are pretty cool, too. Take a look:

• The fluorescence works as a kind of sunblock and protects the scorpions.

• Their bright glow confuses prey and makes it easier to catch.

• A glowing exoskeleton makes it easier for scorpions to recognize one another.

• The fluorescence makes their bodies more sensitive to light, so it’s easier to find a shady hiding spot.

The truth is we just don’t know why scorpions glow under a black light. What do you think?

Webography:

- https://www.terminix.com/blog/bug-facts/why-do-scorpions-glow-under-ultraviolet-light/

-https://www.megacurioso.com.br/animais/45175-21-curiosidades-sobre-animais-que-voce-nao-sabia.htm

                                                                                                                                                                                Gabi Saraiva 9º I

                                                                                                                                          cortesia de envio de Constância Silva, docente de Inglês e colaboradora do CRESCER