10 animals that can detect UV light humans cannot see
These UV-sensitive species, ranging from insects and birds to sea creatures, rely on ultraviolet vision to navigate, hunt, and communicate in ways we can't perceive. Discover the fascinating science behind UV perception and explore 10 animals with ultraviolet eyesight that reveal nature's hidden code.
Animals with UV vision
including scorpions, butterflies and more
Bumblebees
Source: Live Science
Bumblebees are more than just fuzzy pollinators; they're equipped with UV-sensitive eyes that make flowers glow in ways we can't imagine.
Many flowers have UV-reflective markings—like hidden bullseyes or arrows—that direct bees straight to nectar. These 'nectar guides' enhance foraging efficiency and ensure successful pollination. Bumblebees can even differentiate between flowers that appear identical to humans, making them expert navigators of nature's secret maps.
Butterflies
Source: National Geographic
Butterflies are known for their dazzling colors, but their vision reveals much more.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says
CNA
Read More
Undo
Their eyes can detect UV patterns on flowers and on each other's wings. These patterns often signal a butterfly's sex, health, or readiness to mate. While humans may see identical butterflies, butterflies can identify individuals through UV signals. This ability plays a vital role in reproduction, survival, and pollination.
Dragonflies
Dragonflies have some of the most advanced eyes in the insect world. Their compound eyes, containing thousands of individual lenses, include UV receptors that help them detect prey, water surfaces, and rival dragonflies.
This sharp UV vision gives them unparalleled hunting precision. Some researchers even believe dragonflies have the widest color vision spectrum of any known animal.
Reindeer
Among mammals, reindeer are rare in their ability to see UV light. In the Arctic, UV light reflects off snow and ice, allowing reindeer to see things that would otherwise be invisible—like the dark urine stains of predators or edible lichen. This vision offers a vital advantage in detecting threats and locating food in the harsh tundra landscape.
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye salmon start their lives in UV-rich freshwater and transition to deeper, darker ocean habitats. As juveniles, they rely on UV vision to find plankton and navigate their environment. As they mature, their vision adapts, losing UV sensitivity in favor of deeper water wavelengths. This flexibility is key to their survival at every stage.
Blue Tits
Blue tits, common in European woodlands, use UV light to make better parenting decisions.
Their feathers reflect UV in patterns that signal health and vitality. UV-reflective markings on chicks' mouths also help parents locate and feed them quickly. This ability improves reproductive success and enhances communication within the family unit.
Mantis Shrimp
The mantis shrimp boasts one of the most complex visual systems on Earth, including UV and polarized light sensitivity. With up to 16 types of photoreceptors, they can detect a range of signals far beyond human capability.
This allows them to hunt, avoid predators, and communicate with other mantis shrimp using secret, UV-encoded signals.
Pigeons
Pigeons may seem ordinary, but their UV vision is extraordinary. This hidden sense helps them spot water, recognize fellow pigeons, and possibly even navigate using UV-reflective cues in the landscape. Their feathers reflect UV in ways that aid social recognition, making them more socially attuned and spatially aware than we realize.
Butterfish
Butterfish, despite their plain appearance, have evolved to see UV light. In their sunlit ocean habitat, this helps them detect prey like plankton and navigate complex environments. Their eyes filter UV rays, turning the underwater world into a glowing mosaic of signals used for feeding and survival.
Scorpions
Scorpions glow under UV light due to compounds in their exoskeletons. But they also appear to sense UV light, which may help them avoid sunlight or detect lunar cues. Scientists use UV flashlights to find glowing scorpions at night, revealing a strange synergy between UV perception and fluorescence.
Also Read |
Did The Simpsons really predict the Coldplay 'kiss cam' scandal? CEO's viral moment sparks AI confusion and meme buzz
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Can genetics predict obesity? New study may help spot risk in kids before it is too late
Synopsis A new study introduces ancestry-specific polygenic risk scores that double the effectiveness of predicting adult obesity risk compared to current methods. Analyzing genetic data from over 5 million individuals, the tool identifies those at risk early in childhood. While genetics play a role, lifestyle and environmental factors remain crucial in addressing the global obesity epidemic. iStock A new study introduces ancestry-specific polygenic risk scores that double the effectiveness of predicting adult obesity risk compared to current methods. (Image :iStock) Imagine knowing whether your child may be at risk for obesity—not years after weight gain begins, but long before it shows. A groundbreaking new study published in Nature Medicine suggests this could soon be possible, thanks to a genetic tool called polygenic risk scores (PGS).Led by over 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide, and drawing data from The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium and 23andMe, the study analyzed genetic information from more than 5 million individuals. Their goal? To develop a more precise way to predict a person's likelihood of developing obesity, starting from childhood. Current obesity risk tools largely rely on family history, diet, and lifestyle. But this study's new ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores proved about twice as effective in predicting obesity in adulthood compared to existing people of European ancestry, for example, the score accounted for 17.6% of an individual's risk of developing a high Body Mass Index (BMI)—a key indicator of obesity. The study included a broad participant base: 70% had European ancestry, 14.4% were Hispanic, 8.4% East Asian, 4.6% African, and 1.5% South while the tool is promising, it isn't a crystal ball. 'Obesity is not only about genetics,' said Dr. Ruth Loos, study co-author and professor at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center, in an interview with NBC News. 'Genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity… other factors, such as lifestyle, need to be part of the predictions.' The urgency behind such research is clear. Obesity is now considered one of the world's fastest-growing public health threats. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data: In 2022, 2.5 billion adults were overweight, including over 890 million with obesity. Childhood obesity is skyrocketing—35 million children under five were overweight in 2024, and over 390 million adolescents aged 5–19 were overweight in 2022. Obesity was a factor in 3.7 million global deaths in 2021 alone. Perhaps more troubling is the shift in obesity prevalence from wealthier nations to low- and middle-income countries, where children face a 'double burden' of both undernutrition and rising obesity rates. The WHO warns that these children often live in environments where high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods are cheap and accessible, but healthier choices and safe spaces for exercise are is much more than a number on a scale. It increases the risk of nearly 200 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and certain cancers. For children, the stakes are even higher: obesity not only impacts their physical and mental health but also academic performance and social wellbeing due to stigma and childhood obesity often carries into adulthood, setting the stage for chronic illness and shorter lifespans. 'Children with obesity are very likely to be adults with obesity,' notes the WHO. While genetic scores like the one developed in this study could revolutionize early detection, experts caution that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, told USA TODAY that effective obesity prevention must address broader social determinants of health—including access to healthcare, nutritious food, physical activity, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends multifaceted strategies: from medication and surgery for treatment, to policy-driven efforts ensuring access to healthy food, safe physical environments, and stigma-free support systems.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Can genetics predict obesity? New study may help spot risk in kids before it is too late
Imagine knowing whether your child may be at risk for obesity—not years after weight gain begins, but long before it shows. A groundbreaking new study published in Nature Medicine suggests this could soon be possible, thanks to a genetic tool called polygenic risk scores (PGS). Led by over 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide, and drawing data from The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium and 23andMe, the study analyzed genetic information from more than 5 million individuals. Their goal? To develop a more precise way to predict a person's likelihood of developing obesity, starting from childhood. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category PGDM Public Policy Degree Artificial Intelligence Project Management Finance healthcare Digital Marketing Technology Leadership Data Science others MBA MCA Others Data Analytics CXO Healthcare Cybersecurity Data Science Management Product Management Operations Management Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis & Decision Making Quantitative & Analytical Skills Organizational Management & Leadership Innovation & Entrepreneurship Duration: 24 Months IMI Delhi Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online) Starts on Sep 1, 2024 Get Details What the Study Found Current obesity risk tools largely rely on family history, diet, and lifestyle. But this study's new ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores proved about twice as effective in predicting obesity in adulthood compared to existing assessments. In people of European ancestry, for example, the score accounted for 17.6% of an individual's risk of developing a high Body Mass Index (BMI)—a key indicator of obesity. The study included a broad participant base: 70% had European ancestry, 14.4% were Hispanic, 8.4% East Asian, 4.6% African, and 1.5% South Asian. But while the tool is promising, it isn't a crystal ball. 'Obesity is not only about genetics,' said Dr. Ruth Loos, study co-author and professor at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center, in an interview with NBC News. 'Genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity… other factors, such as lifestyle, need to be part of the predictions.' You Might Also Like: This one food habit could shield you from arthritis, obesity and diabetes. Science backs what Indian kitchens always knew The Global Obesity Epidemic The urgency behind such research is clear. Obesity is now considered one of the world's fastest-growing public health threats. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data: In 2022, 2.5 billion adults were overweight, including over 890 million with obesity. Childhood obesity is skyrocketing—35 million children under five were overweight in 2024, and over 390 million adolescents aged 5–19 were overweight in 2022. Obesity was a factor in 3.7 million global deaths in 2021 alone. Perhaps more troubling is the shift in obesity prevalence from wealthier nations to low- and middle-income countries, where children face a 'double burden' of both undernutrition and rising obesity rates. The WHO warns that these children often live in environments where high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods are cheap and accessible, but healthier choices and safe spaces for exercise are not. Why Early Detection Matters Obesity is much more than a number on a scale. It increases the risk of nearly 200 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and certain cancers. For children, the stakes are even higher: obesity not only impacts their physical and mental health but also academic performance and social wellbeing due to stigma and bullying. Importantly, childhood obesity often carries into adulthood, setting the stage for chronic illness and shorter lifespans. 'Children with obesity are very likely to be adults with obesity,' notes the WHO. You Might Also Like: Are you really obese? Experts challenge BMI as only measure of obesity, propose new guidelines for better health What Can Be Done? While genetic scores like the one developed in this study could revolutionize early detection, experts caution that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, told USA TODAY that effective obesity prevention must address broader social determinants of health—including access to healthcare, nutritious food, physical activity, and education. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends multifaceted strategies: from medication and surgery for treatment, to policy-driven efforts ensuring access to healthy food, safe physical environments, and stigma-free support systems.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
8 incredible animals that can survive in outer space
Space is one of the most hostile environments imaginable, complete vacuum, cosmic radiation, extreme temperatures, and zero oxygen. Yet, some animals on Earth can survive these exact conditions. Thanks to unique biological traits, these space-resilient species are helping scientists understand how life might exist beyond Earth. From microscopic water bears to lab-tested rodents, these animals have either survived actual space missions or simulated space conditions with astonishing results. If you're fascinated by space biology, interstellar survival, or future life-support research, these 8 incredible animals that can survive in space will leave you amazed and maybe a little inspired by nature's resilience. 8 animals that can survive in space conditions Tardigrades (Water Bears) Tardigrades are the champions of survival. These microscopic creatures can survive dehydration, freezing, boiling, radiation, and even the vacuum of outer space. In 2007, they were launched into space and came back alive after direct exposure to cosmic radiation. Scientists believe tardigrades' ability to enter a cryptobiosis state is key to their space resilience. Cockroaches Cockroaches are famous for their toughness, and space has only proven that reputation. In a Russian experiment aboard Foton-M3 in 2007, cockroach eggs were exposed to space radiation—and still hatched. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Struggling With Belly Fat? Try This at Home Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo Their resistance to radiation and ability to thrive in extreme environments makes them a fascinating subject in astrobiology and space research. Roundworms These tiny nematodes were part of NASA 's Columbia shuttle mission. After surviving re-entry, they proved invaluable in studying how microgravity affects muscle development, aging, and gene expression. Their biological makeup is surprisingly similar to humans, making them perfect candidates for long-term space studies in simulated extraterrestrial conditions. Brine Shrimp (Sea Monkeys) Brine shrimp can survive complete dehydration, which allows their eggs to be sent to space and rehydrated later. On several missions, these tiny crustaceans have successfully hatched in orbit. Their unique lifecycle and resistance to harsh environments make them great models for closed-loop ecosystems in space travel. Fruit Flies Fruit flies have been going to space since 1947, making them the first animals ever launched by the U.S. They reproduce quickly and are used to study the genetic effects of radiation and microgravity. Their contribution to space genetics has provided crucial data for human health in long-term space missions. Mice Mice are common test subjects aboard the International Space Station. They help researchers study bone loss, muscle atrophy, and stress in microgravity. In space, their bodies undergo similar changes to humans, which helps scientists test medicines, gene expression, and physical adaptation techniques for future human missions. Fungi Though technically not animals, some fungi have survived space conditions and are worth including. Species like Cryptococcus neoformans and Cladosporium sphaerospermum not only endured radiation but appeared to grow better in it. These fungi are now being studied for future space missions as natural radiation shields or even food sources. Zebrafish Zebrafish are a key part of space experiments due to their genetic similarity to humans and transparent bodies. They've been used in ISS missions to study heart development, bone loss, and how microgravity affects the nervous system. Their embryos have even shown successful growth in space conditions. Also read | 2025 Gen Z slang guide: What 'Rizz', 'Delulu' and 'Brat' really mean
