Spectacular Places and Interesting Faces: Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence occur when animals produce and emit a glow or light. This is one of my favorite topics when discussing unique animal characteristics.

Why would an animal glow?

1) To disguise itself with counter illumination. Counter illumination occurs when an animal lights up to match an illuminated background such as the sky or ocean surface.
2) To attract mates.
3) To attract prey.
4) To scare or warn away predator.
5) To communicate.
6) To illuminate their surroundings.
7) To distract predators.

WAITOMO GLOW WORM CAVE
NEW ZEALAND
[The Arachnocampa glowworm larva in this cave glow to attract prey. Flying insects see the glowing larva and think they are outside below a star sky and travel upwards where they are caught. A larva that has not eaten will glow brighter than one that has.]

http://sun-surfer.com/waitomo-glow-worm-caves-new-zealand-7150.html

THE DEEP SEA ANGLER
[Check out this video to learn about this amazingly scary bioluminescent fish]

THE MIDWATER SQUID
[This squid lights up to produce counter illumination]

http://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow.cfm?id=bioluminescent-avatar

DINOFLAGELLATE
[Thousands of plankton are pictured here washed ashore. The motion of the water causes them to glow. The planktons glow reaction is a mechanism for detecting predators. Their light attract their predator's predator.]