If you’ve ever heard that scorpions glow in the dark, you may have wondered if it’s really true.

The answer is yes! Scorpions can glow, but not in the same way a glowstick does. Instead, they glow through a special design called biofluorescence.

When scorpions are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, they absorb it and re-emit it as a glowing blue-green color we can see. This creates the remarkable glowing effect that has fascinated scientists and nature lovers alike.

Scorpion Coloring Sheet

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What Is Biofluorescence?

Biofluorescence is when a creature absorbs light we cannot easily see and then emits it as a visible glow.

Scorpions have special chemicals inside their hard outer exoskeleton that make this possible. These chemicals cause the blue-green glow when UV light shines on them.

Interestingly, a scorpion does not glow immediately after it molts. After shedding its old exoskeleton, the new one must harden before the glowing effect appears. This suggests that something in the hardening process contributes to the scorpion’s ability to fluoresce.

Can You See Scorpions Glowing at Night?

Many people imagine scorpions glowing brightly as they crawl through the darkness. However, that is not usually what happens.

If you are walking around at night where scorpions live, you generally will not see them glowing on their own. Unlike lightning bugs, which glow through a different process called bioluminescence, scorpions need UV light for their glow to become visible.

A UV flashlight makes it much easier to spot a glowing scorpion. Under UV light, the blue-green glow becomes very noticeable.

There is one situation where a scorpion might glow slightly without a flashlight. During a full moon, the moon reflects sunlight, including UV light. That reflected light can sometimes cause a faint glow from scorpions.

Why Do Scorpions Glow?

Scientists are still trying to answer this question.

Some researchers think the glow may help scorpions sense light and shadows. Others suggest it could act as a natural sunscreen, helping protect them from UV light. There are also ideas that the glow may help with communication, finding mates, or attracting prey, though those possibilities are less certain.

While scientists continue to study the mystery, there is one thing we do know: God designed scorpions with this fascinating feature and he knows its purpose.

A Wonderful Design in Creation

Scorpions are already unique creatures. They are arachnids with eight legs, powerful pincers, and a venomous stinger. Yet one of their most surprising features is their ability to glow under UV light.

Whether the glow helps them sense light, provides protection, or serves another purpose we have yet to discover, it reminds us of the creativity found throughout God’s creation.

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