Glow in the Light | Nat Geo Photo of the Day
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TL;DR
Hornworms in Ecuador's Yasuní National Park glow blue-green under UV light due to fluorescent compounds. The purpose of this fluorescence is unclear, with theories ranging from communication to predator deterrence.
Glow in the Light
Hornworms fluorescing under ultraviolet light during a nocturnal field survey at Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. Their blue-green glow is likely produced by fluorescent compounds in the cuticle or epidermis that absorb UV and re-emit visible wavelengths. The adaptive function of this fluorescence is still uncertain, with hypotheses including enhanced shelter or host-plant detection, intraspecific communication, or predator deterrence via unexpected visual cues.
Javier Aznar González de Rueda, National Geographic Image Collection