Wombats, other Australian animals glow in the dark under UV light, scientists find

© Twitter
Luminous Wombats

The research received rave reviews.

Scientists have discovered that Australian wombats, platypuses and other mammals glow in the dark under ultraviolet light, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

The glowing wombats are also one of my favorites! #wombat #uv pic.twitter.com/XdgLqAoorX

– Kenny Travouillon (@TravouillonK) November 5, 2020

Researchers in Wisconsin accidentally discovered this biofluorescence in three platypus specimens, and their findings were published in the journal Mammalia in October.

Naturally, Australian researchers decided to study their native animals in the same light, according to ABC. They discovered that platypuses aren’t the only ones who are biologically equipped for a rave.

Echidna, bandicoots, bilbies, possums and a few bats lit under black light, ScienceAlert reported. The researchers tested about two dozen mammals, a third of which were found to be biofluorescent.

Scientists have known for years that certain insects and sea creatures glow in ultraviolet light, but had never seen the trait in mammals before the discovery of the platypus.

The evolutionary purpose of glow-in-the-dark skin and fur is unknown. This could theoretically make these animals easier to see at night, but Swedish biologist Michael Bok sharp Unless wombats are true revelers, they will not encounter these lighting conditions often found in the wild.