Below is a ' fluorescing spider' (that's a nifty screen name for any of you non-bloggers to sign up with...). In the science world it is known as Enoplognatha ovata. So what does one have to do to be labeled 'fluorescing?" Why, you need to glow like this under UV light (which I don't, sadly).
The BBC reports that scientists at Portland State University "discovered that many spiders from different families fluoresce. They suggest it has something to do with getting food and avoiding being eaten."
Hmm, add to that 'to assist in mating' and don't you have a complete list of what every trait of every animal is for? Sorry scientists at Portland State, but that doesn't help much. Can you narrow it down?
Thanks for the link, Rasmus.
Photo source: GrrlScientist
Apr 19, 2007
Fluorescing Spider
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9 comments:
I'm sure they'd love to narrow it down. Just need some funding, so they can go spelunkin'.
Actually, humans flouresce too, at least parts of us do. Usually our teeth (because of the optical whiteners in toothpaste) and the palms of our hands and soles of our feet. Don't remember why, but they do.
Oh yeah, white clothes will flouresce too. Optical whiteners, again.
That's a really neat spider! :)
wobblerlorri, I checked, and I don't fluoresce at all. Not even my teeth (they're nothing but little baked bean-colored nubs anyway). I concentrated really hard, and even then I couldn't fluoresce. I feel so inadequate...
Well, wombat, what can I say? Try wearing a white T-shirt and check out your fluorescence then...
Or maybe you're just a wee bit... odd...
Man, you're ego is just getting the stuffing kicked out of it by spiders of late, eh? Actually not having glowy teeth might be a evolutionary advantage, if your ability to reproduce depended on being good at laser-tag. ;)
We used to go looking for spiders at night this way. Some of the webs flourecse too. Absolutely beautiful. :)
Arachnophile, you must really love spiders. Oh, wait...
I've taken your advice. Fluorescing Spider is now my moniker everywhere I go on the internet! And that includes my email address, lol.
Thanks! :D
(And love yer blog!)
All right! Thanks, Fluorescing Spider.
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