Animals that Glow in the Dark

December 23, 2008

With the Winter Solstice behind us, the northern hemisphere is now moving towards the light. Longer, sunnier and— thanks to a new U.S. president elect— more hopeful days lay ahead of us.

The winter holidays celebrate light. Chanukah is referred to as The Festival of Lights. In the Biblical Book of John, Jesus is said to have proclaimed, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Hindus celebrate Diwali, also known as a Festival of Lights. Persians have Sadeh, a mid-winter feast to honor fire and to "defeat the forces of darkness, frost and cold." The list could go on. Considering the horrors of winters past, when so many lives were lost at this time of year, it's a wonder that our ancestors could forget their troubles to celebrate the season.

In honor of nature's victory of light over darkness, here are 10 animals whose inner glow can be seen by all:

10. Wolf- Its eyes glow in the dark.
(Image: frances_marie)

9. Emperor Scorpion- Glows under UV light.

8. Parakeet- Portions of its head glow under UV light.

7. Limpet- Emits light when threatened.
Here is fast motion video showing limpets feeding at night.

6. Cookie Cutter Shark- Can reflect sunrays to become invisible.
Here's one captured on film during a night dive.

5. Firefly

4. Sea Firefly- A small, glowing nocturnal marine species.

3. Flashlight Fish
A bit of trickery here, as it's sometimes difficult to see this fish's glowing cheeks. I like the kid who complains, "I don't see no lights."

2. Glow Worm

1. Anglerfish

Wishing you and yours the light and warmth of good company and good times this holiday season.