Platypuses have a glowing secret—their fur shines under UV light! In 2020, researchers at Northland College in Wisconsin discovered that platypus fur exhibits biofluorescence, glowing a soft greenish-blue when exposed to ultraviolet light. This trait was first noticed in museum specimens and later confirmed in live platypuses in Australia. It’s a rare feature for mammals, shared with a few others like flying squirrels and some opossums, but scientists aren’t sure why platypuses have it.
The glow might help them blend into their surroundings at dusk or dawn, making them less visible to predators like birds of prey. Since platypuses are nocturnal, this could be a sneaky survival trick, though their poor eyesight means they probably don’t see the glow themselves. The fluorescence comes from their dense, waterproof fur, which absorbs UV light and re-emits it as a visible color. It’s most noticeable on their belly, adding a magical shimmer to their already strange appearance. This glowing trait is a small bite of nature’s mystery, showing how platypuses keep surprising us.
Next time you imagine a platypus, picture it glowing in the dark—it’s a weird trait that’s pure wonder. Share this with your friends and come back for more on Platypusfacts!
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