Ultraviolet Biofluorescence in Pocket Gophers

J. T. Pynne; Steven B. Castleberry; L. Mike Conner; Colleen W. Piper; Elizabeth I. Parsons; Robert A. Gitzen; Sarah I. Duncan; James D. Austin; Robert A. McCleery

doi:10.1674/0003-0031-186.1.150

How to translate text using browser tools

19 July 2021 Ultraviolet Biofluorescence in Pocket Gophers

J. T. Pynne, Steven B. Castleberry, L. Mike Conner, Colleen W. Piper, Elizabeth I. Parsons, Robert A. Gitzen, Sarah I. Duncan, James D. Austin, Robert A. McCleery

Author Affiliations +

The American Midland Naturalist, 186(1):150-155 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1674/0003-0031-186.1.150

Abstract

Biofluorescence in mammal pelage is considered rare, but has been documented in multiple taxa in recent years. Herein, we provide the first observations of biofluorescence in fossorial mammals. We documented biofluorescence in live Geomys pinetis (southeastern pocket gopher) and in museum specimens of four additional geomyid species. Although unknown, the adaptive significance of biofluorescence in pocket gophers is likely similar to that documented in terrestrial and arboreal species previously, including communication or predator evasion.

Citation Download Citation

J. T. Pynne, Steven B. Castleberry, L. Mike Conner, Colleen W. Piper, Elizabeth I. Parsons, Robert A. Gitzen, Sarah I. Duncan, James D. Austin, and Robert A. McCleery "Ultraviolet Biofluorescence in Pocket Gophers," The American Midland Naturalist 186(1), 150-155, (19 July 2021). https://doi.org/10.1674/0003-0031-186.1.150

Received: 5 July 2020; Accepted: 12 April 2021; Published: 19 July 2021

KEYWORDS/PHRASES

PUBLICATION TITLE:

COLLECTION TITLE:

PUBLICATION YEARS