ANIMAL CURIOSITIES

Bioluminescence: the extraordinary phenomenon of animals lighting up at night

Bioluminescence is a phenomenon whereby living organisms emit light through special chemical reactions, in the course of which chemical energy is converted into light energy.

The spectacle of bioluminescence is unique and is practised by both plants, land and sea animals for various reasons, from hunting for prey to finding a breeding partner.

Here are some of the animals that exploit bioluminescence, creating magnificent plays of light.

Getty Images
Bioluminescence: the extraordinary phenomenon of animals lighting up at night
Bioluminescence is a phenomenon whereby living organisms emit light through special chemical reactions, in the course of which chemical energy is converted into light energy. The spectacle of bioluminescence is unique and is practised by plants, land and sea animals alike, for a variety of reasons: from hunting for prey to finding a breeding partner. Here are some animals that exploit bioluminescence, creating magnificent plays of light.
Getty Images
Scorpio
The scorpion glows from ultraviolet light when exposed to a certain wavelength. In particular, the blue-green colour occurs when the scorpion is exposed to moonlight.
Freepik
Jellyfish
Some species of jellyfish light up thanks to a fluorescent protein: in this way, these animals can easily attract prey, which are attracted by this magnificent glow.
Getty Images
Firefly
Fireflies light up thanks to chemical processes caused by the consumption of oxygen: in this way, energy is released that is transformed into cold light. Light is emitted during courtship, before mating: males emit rhythmic light signals, trying to attract the attention of females, who in turn emit light at different rhythms. The larvae and eggs, however, are also luminescent.
Getty Images
Firefly squid
It is the firefly squid, with the scientific name 'Watasenia Scintillans', that creates this splendid effect illuminating the sea at night. It lights up every year from March to May during the mating season. These animals generate a unique spectacle, colouring the sea a bright blue.
Krill666, Wikimedia
Antarctic krill
Antarctic krill is a crustacean that emits a yellow-green light exclusively for defensive purposes, to protect itself from predators on the seabed by confusing them. The colour allows this crustacean to blend in with the light of the sky and ice on the surface.
Informativa ai sensi della Direttiva 2009/136/CE: questo sito utilizza solo cookie tecnici necessari alla navigazione da parte dell'utente in assenza dei quali il sito non potrebbe funzionare correttamente.