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

The research got glowing reviews.

© Twitter
Glowing wombats

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

The glowing wombats are also some of my favourite! #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 results were published in the journal Mammalia in October.

Naturally, Australian researchers decided to study their native animals under the same light, according to ABC. They found that platypi aren’t the only ones biologically equipped for a rave.

Echidna, bandicoots, bilbies, possums and some bats all lit up under the black light, ScienceAlert reported. Researchers tested about two dozen mammals, with one-third of them proving to be bioflourescent.

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

The evolutionary purpose of glow-in-the-dark skin and fur is unknown. It could theoretically make such animals easier to see at night, but Swedish biologist Michael Bok pointed out that unless the wombats are true party animals, they won’t encounter these lighting conditions often in the wild.