Mysterious glowing bats in the USA: a biological enigma and new scientific insights
In the United States, scientists remain puzzled about why some bat species can glow in the dark with a ghostly greenish light.
This mystery has sparked significant interest among biologists and ornithologists alike.
According to research conducted by experts at the University of Georgia, several species of these winged mammals living in North America can respond to ultraviolet light, which alters their appearance.
The experiments revealed that all examined species — including big brown bats, eastern red bats, and seminoles — exhibit a vivid green luminescence, especially on their wings, hind limbs, and the membranes between them.
Interestingly, this photoluminescence was consistent across sexes and age groups, primarily visible on the wings and back limbs of each individual.
Scientists hypothesize several potential explanations.
They believe that this trait is inherited and originated from a common ancestor of modern bats, yet it persists in their genome after millions of years of evolution.
At the same time, biologists consider that this ability may have served some function in the past, although its current role remains a mystery.
Dr.
Steven Castleberry of the University of Georgia notes that while the glow appears in a spectrum visible to bats, it’s uncertain whether sufficient light exists in their nocturnal environments to trigger photoluminescence.
Further research is needed to determine if the glow is used for navigation, hunting, or social interactions.
These ongoing studies aim to unravel this scientific puzzle, as understanding how such bioluminescence could aid bats in their natural habitat remains an intriguing field of inquiry.
Meanwhile, news has emerged about a deep-sea coral resembling the fluffy hair of Chewbacca from Star Wars, reaffirming that nature continues to surprise us with its mysterious phenomena.