Have you ever wondered how to find scorpions in the desert at night? It’s actually pretty easy because scorpions have a cool ability to glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. When UV light hits them, they shine a bright neon green. This glowing trick isn’t just for scorpions; other animals like jellyfish, some amphibians, owls, and even platypuses can glow too!
In the desert near Bakersfield, California, there’s a biologist named Carl Kloock who has been studying scorpion fluorescence for over ten years. He shows how to find scorpions using a black light, which is a special kind of flashlight. By using a simple tool—a tongue depressor with a yellow highlighter—he can spot scorpions in the dark and gently guide them into a vial for a closer look.
So, why do scorpions glow? Kloock has a few ideas. Most scorpions glow, but some that live in caves don’t. One idea is that glowing is an old trait from when scorpions first came onto land. Another idea is that it might have a purpose not related to UV light.
Kloock wanted to see if scorpions glow to attract insects. He did experiments with preserved scorpions, some of which were covered with UV-blocking varnish, to see which ones attracted more insects. Surprisingly, under a full moon, the glowing scorpions caught fewer insects than the ones that didn’t glow. So, it seems like glowing doesn’t help them catch bugs.
Even though glowing doesn’t help them catch food, Kloock thinks there must be a good reason for it. Scorpions are amazing survivors. They can use iron and nickel to make their pincers and claws stronger. They have eight eyes, but they can also sense light through their bodies, especially with their tails.
Back in 1968, scientists found out that scorpions can detect light even if their eyes are covered. This means they have an extra way to sense light, possibly using their tails. This might help them communicate with each other or even hide from predators.
One idea is that scorpions evolved from water environments during the Silurian period when there was a lot more UV light because there wasn’t much of an ozone layer. Their glow might act like sunscreen, protecting them from harmful UV rays. Kloock’s later experiments suggest that scorpions use their glow to sense UV light in their surroundings.
Scorpions are great at surviving without food for a long time, which affects how they hunt. They tend to stay hidden during bright moonlit nights, using UV light to decide if it’s safe to come out. They have to balance between being hungry and staying safe from predators.
In conclusion, studying scorpion fluorescence shows us how these fascinating desert creatures have adapted in many ways to survive. They have developed unique sensory abilities and strategies to thrive in their harsh environment.
Use simple materials to create a black light flashlight. You’ll need a regular flashlight, some transparent tape, and a blue and purple marker. Wrap the flashlight with tape and color it with the markers to mimic a black light. Test it out in a dark room to see if it can make certain objects glow, just like scorpions do under UV light!
Conduct an experiment to understand how UV light affects scorpions. Use a UV flashlight and some glow-in-the-dark paint to simulate scorpion fluorescence. Paint small objects and observe how they glow under the UV light. Discuss why certain materials might glow and relate it to the scorpion’s natural habitat.
Imagine you are a scorpion living in the desert. Create a short skit or role-play that demonstrates how you use your adaptations, like glowing under UV light, to survive. Think about how you would find food, avoid predators, and communicate with other scorpions.
Choose another animal that exhibits fluorescence, such as a jellyfish or platypus. Research how and why they glow, and prepare a short presentation for the class. Compare and contrast their glowing abilities with those of scorpions, and discuss any similarities or differences in their adaptations.
Explore the concept of light wavelengths and how they relate to UV light. Use the equation $$c = lambda nu$$ where $c$ is the speed of light, $lambda$ is the wavelength, and $nu$ is the frequency. Calculate the frequency of UV light if the wavelength is approximately 400 nm. Discuss how this relates to the scorpion’s ability to detect UV light.
Scorpion – A nocturnal arachnid with pincers and a venomous sting at the end of its tail, often found in desert environments. – The biologist carefully observed the scorpion as it hunted for insects in the desert at night.
Fluorescence – The emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation, often visible under ultraviolet light. – Under ultraviolet light, the scorpion’s exoskeleton exhibited a bright green fluorescence.
Ultraviolet – A type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays, often used to observe fluorescence. – Scientists used ultraviolet light to study the patterns of fluorescence in various minerals and organisms.
Light – Electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye and is responsible for the sense of sight. – Plants use light from the sun to perform photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Insects – A class of small arthropods with a three-part body, compound eyes, and two antennae, often serving as prey for many animals. – Insects play a crucial role in ecosystems as pollinators and as a food source for birds and other animals.
Adaptations – Changes in physical structure, function, or behavior that enhance an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. – The camel’s hump is an adaptation that allows it to store fat and survive long periods without water in the desert.
Desert – A barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs, resulting in harsh living conditions for plants and animals. – The desert is home to many unique species that have adapted to survive in its extreme temperatures and scarce water supply.
Biologist – A scientist who studies living organisms and their interactions with the environment. – The biologist conducted experiments to understand how different species adapt to changes in their habitats.
Survival – The ability of an organism to continue living and reproducing in its environment. – The survival of many desert animals depends on their ability to find water and avoid predators.
Predators – Animals that hunt and consume other animals for food. – Predators like hawks and owls play an important role in controlling the population of rodents in the ecosystem.
