News release

From: The Royal Society

Glandular biofluorescence in fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra): first evidence and ecological implications

Royal Society Open Science

This study reports the first evidence of biofluorescence in fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra). Under ultraviolet light, these urodeles display striking blue-green fluorescence across their skin, appearing as bright speckles on the flanks and ventral region, as well as in their glandular secretions. Our analyses reveal that different tissues produce distinct fluorescent signals, likely involving compounds transported through the bloodstream. Remarkably, these secretions remain fluorescent on surfaces for over 24 hours. The distribution of external fluorescence together with the persistent glow of secretions suggests that fluorescence could play a role in communication of fire salamanders, adding new evidence to the growing number of studies showing ecologically relevant fluorescence in amphibians.