Search for the project "Finding Fluorescence" on the Epicollect5 app.  Bring a blacklight/UV light to your backyard or favorite hiking trail and document what you find.  Record the fluorescence you find, as well as the fluorescence you don't, as it may help us to better understand the variation in biofluorescence (across life cycle, season, geography, etc.)

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Where do I look?

Biofluorescence is found in species across the tree of life. Biofluorescence is known in:

• Over 180 species of fish

• Over 100 species of corals

• Numerous other marine creatures (jellyfish, algae, rays, sharks, eels, shrimp, sea turtles, etc.)

• Multiple species of birds (emperor and king penguin beaks, parrot feathers, puffin beaks, owl wings, etc.)

• All species of scorpions

• At least 45 species of spiders, 20 species of butterflies, 10 species of beetles, 14 species of bees, and in many species of dragonflies, millipedes, and cockroaches

• Nearly every species of plant (as chlorophyll is fluorescent) and in nearly every part of plants (wood, bark, leaves, fruits, flowers, etc.)

• Over 35 amphibian species (across frogs, salamanders, and caecilians) 

• Many species of reptiles (snakes, lizards, and turtles- marine and terrestrial)

 

But there are many species we have yet to test for fluorescence. With your help, we can begin to understand the true extent and variation of biofluorescence in our world. Browse the NightSea gallery for images of some of the biofluorescence that surrounds us.

You can find these organisms in your backyard, your favorite park, on vacation, or in the fish tank in your house. Help collect data on biofluorescence for scientists while learning about biology, chemistry, and physics and making new discoveries in your backyard. 

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How do I identify fluorescence? A Guide:

Biofluorescence can appear as many colors. The best way to see fluorescence is to use a blacklight and glasses that filter out the wavelength of the light you are shining on the organism. Inexpensive sets of lights and glasses can be found at your town auto shop, hardware store, pet shop, or online. Recommendations of affordable equipment you can use to find fluorescence are linked to the right. The best time to see biofluorescence is after dusk or in a dark environment.

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1.) Safety is the most important rule. Do not approach or handle any organism that you are unsure of!

2.) Wear filter glasses at all times

3.) Position blacklight above organism and look for unusual coloration. If you are using a common blacklight found at a store, the fluorescence will likely show up as green; however, blue and red fluorescence is common as well. Use the example below to help you determine what is reflecting light and what is fluorescence

4.) Record your data and share with others via EpiCollect! Take both a photo of the fluorescence (positioning the blacklight above the organism and taking the photo through the UV filter glasses) and a photo of the organism in natural light.