Investigation of Fluorescence in Selected Mammals of Arkansas

The adaptive value of fluorescence among the vertebrates has been studied most in fishes and birds, only a few observations have published regarding pelage mammals. Recently, reports some marsupials, platypus, flying squirrels become available. We report occurrence fluorescent properties mammals from Arkansas. Most carnivores, bats, rodents did not exhibit property when viewed under UV light. However, opossums, rabbits, weasel, muskrats, moles showed substantial response, other minor fluorescence. Colors fluoresced included pink, green, light cyan. species exhibited one color, but opossum responded with 2 colors. Potential explanations for positive responses to include signaling, mate assessment, predator avoidance, or prey location. Alternatively, response may be an artifact without significance.