Scorpions, laundry pods and tomato hornworms glow under UV blacklight!
Did you know a scorpion’s exoskeleton / cuticle layer produces a substance that reacts to ultraviolet (UV) light? That laundry pods contain phosphors to make clothes appear brighter in sunlight and those phosphors fluoresce under UV light?
Check out the list at the end of the article for a detailed list of things that glow in the dark under UV light!
Take this newfound knowledge out to the garden to HUNT TOMATO HORNWORMS!
Tomato hornworms contain certain pigments that glow under UV light.
Get a cheap, $8 dollar black light (flashlight), put on some goggles to dodge flying insects attracted to the light and set out on a treasure hunt.
Hunting for tomato hornworms at night should be on every gardener’s bucket list!
Example UV flashlight:
(affiliate link, see policy)
SAFETY TIPS: It’s best to actually wear UV protective glasses and cover your skin. Never point a UV light at anyone’s face or body. Avoid shining it on creatures for an extended amount of time. There are many other living things that glow under UV light!
From scorpions and laundry pods to tomato hornworms, this phenomenon captures our imagination and uncovers hidden wonders in the natural world. There’s some exciting science behind these extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that might inspire you to embark on your own UV light exploration.
Hornworms are notorious pests but actually look beautiful under UV light.
Safety Precautions: While embarking on your UV light exploration, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Remember to wear UV protective glasses and cover your skin to minimize exposure to potentially harmful rays. Never direct a UV light at anyone’s face or body, and avoid shining it on creatures for extended periods. Keep in mind that many other living organisms also possess the ability to glow under UV light, presenting endless opportunities for future discoveries.
Let fascinating fluorescence captivate you on an indoor, outdoor, water or land adventure!
- Minerals and Rocks:
- Fluorite
- Calcite
- Sodalite
- Willemite
- Hackmanite
- Scheelite
- Agate
- Opal
- Certain types of quartz
- Gemstones:
- Diamond
- Ruby
- Sapphire
- Emerald
- Amethyst
- Citrine
- Fossils:
- Amber (fossilized tree resin)
- Sea Creatures:
- Certain corals
- Jellyfish
- Anemones
- Insects and Arachnids:
- Scorpions (exoskeletons)
- Various species of spiders (e.g., orb-weavers)
- Fireflies (certain species)
- Marine Life:
- Certain types of fish scales
- Sea turtles (shells and scutes)
- Plant Material:
- Chlorophyll in leaves (appears reddish or dark)
- Some types of pollen
- Glow-in-the-Dark Objects:
- Certain types of glow sticks
- Glow-in-the-dark toys and accessories
- Currency:
- Some international banknotes incorporate fluorescent features for security purposes.
- Household Items:
- Laundry detergents and bleach (contain brighteners)
- Highlighter ink (fluorescent markers)
- Some paints and dyes
