Did you know: platypus fur glows blue-green under ultraviolet (UV) light

platypus fur glows blue-green under ultraviolet (UV) light. This phenomenon, known as biofluorescence, means their fur absorbs UV light and re-emits it at a different wavelength, causing the glow.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Biofluorescence vs. Bioluminescence:
It's important to note that platypuses exhibit biofluorescence, not bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is the production of light through a chemical reaction within the organism, while biofluorescence involves absorbing one wavelength of light and emitting another.
Why the glow?:
Scientists are still researching the exact purpose of this biofluorescence in platypuses, but some theories suggest it might help them camouflage from predators or even communicate with each other, although they forage with their eyes closed.
Unexpected Discovery:
The discovery of biofluorescence in platypuses was somewhat serendipitous. Researchers were examining other animals for this trait when they noticed the platypus fur glowing under UV light.
Not a Night Light:
While the fur does glow under UV light, platypuses are not bright enough to be seen glowing in the dark without the aid of a UV flashlight.

Added:
Recent studies have revealed that many mammals, both nocturnal and diurnal, are biofluorescent, including flying squirrels, platypuses, wombats, and even some species of cats and squirrels.