First case of Tasmanian devils biofluorescence documented at Ohio zoo

On Saturday, the Toledo zoo reported that the Tasmanian devil exhibits biofluorescence, or the phenomenon of light being absorbed and re-emitted in a different color.

In this particular case, the Tasmanian devil absorbed ultraviolet light and displayed a blue color on the skin around the muzzle, eyes, and inner ear.

Other mammals, such as the platypus and wombat from Australia, southern flying squirrels, and the Virginia opossum from Ohio, have been found to exhibit biofluorescence (the ability of living organisms to absorb light of one color and emit light of another color).

Researchers at the Toledo zoo said it is unclear whether the cause of the Tasmanian devil's biofluorescence serves any environmental purpose, such as to camouflage or attract females, or to adapt to their nocturnal habitat.