Scientists discover a secret glow in toxic fire salamanders

Researchers have discovered a surprising hidden ability in Europe’s familiar black-and-yellow fire salamanders: they glow green and cyan under ultraviolet light. The mysterious fluorescence comes mainly from glands in their skin and their toxic secretions, which can continue glowing for more than 24 hours after being released. Scientists discover a secret glow in toxic fire salamanders.

Scientists discover a secret glow in toxic fire salamanders Science News from research organizations Scientists discover a secret glow in toxic fire salamanders Fire salamanders secretly glow under ultraviolet light, revealing a mysterious ability that could help them communicate and defend themselves. Despite their familiar appearance, scientists are still uncovering surprising details about their biology. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the species as "vulnerable" on its Red List of Threatened Species.

Fire salamanders typically inhabit damp forests, streams, and mountainous regions, where habitat destruction and fragmentation increasingly threaten their survival. New research revealed that fire salamanders possess an unexpected ability to fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The glow is most pronounced on the yellow underside of their bodies and along their sides.

Researchers traced the fluorescence primarily to glands in the animals’ skin and the substances those glands release.