Until now, only two fluorescent compounds, β-carboline and 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, had been identified in scorpions’ hard outer shell, or exoskeleton. More than 60 years ago, scientists first recognized scorpions’ propensity to glow under UV light. The team says that the compound could protect these arachnids from parasites. Now, researchers reporting in ACS’ Journal of Natural Products have identified a new fluorescent compound from scorpion exoskeletons. Scientists aren’t sure how this fluorescence benefits the creatures, but some have speculated that it acts as a sunscreen, or helps them find mates in the dark.
Most scorpions glow a blue-green color when illuminated by ultraviolet light or natural moonlight. “ A Fluorescent Compound from the Exuviae of the Scorpion, Liocheles australasiae”
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