AI Article Synopsis
- Fluorescence in animals can alter their color and patterns for communication and signaling purposes, previously thought to only occur in marine species, but now found in terrestrial ones too.
- This study focuses on pumpkin toadlets, revealing unique and bright fluorescent patterns located in their dermal bone, visible through their thin skin.
- By comparing these to a related species, the research highlights the exceptional fluorescence of pumpkin toadlets’ bones and explores the possible roles these patterns may play in their environment.
Article Abstract
The phenomenon of fluorescence can be used by animals to change effective colouration or patterning, potentially to serve functions including intra- and interspecific signalling. Initially believed to be restricted to marine animals, fluorescent colours are now being described in an increasing number of terrestrial species. Here, we describe unique, highly fluorescent patterns in two species of pumpkin toadlets (Brachycephalus ephippium and B. pitanga). We establish that the origin of the fluorescence lies in the dermal bone of the head and back, visible through a particularly thin skin. By comparing them to those of the closely related species Ischnocnema parva, we demonstrate that pumpkin toadlets' bones are exceptionally fluorescent. We characterize the luminescence properties of the toadlets' bones and discuss the potential function of fluorescent patterns in natural lighting conditions.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6441030 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-41959-8 | DOI Listing |
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