Pressing flowers between pages…
Biofluorescence occurs when absorbed higher energy light is re-emitted as a lower energy “glow.” Studies of this capability in tetrapods are rapidly expanding but its function, if there is any, remains largely unknown. While most studies focus on this phenomenon in solely metamorphosed adults, this study aims to examine how biofluorescence in A. m. nebulosum changes with age, body size, and key developmental milestones, like metamorphosis and sexual maturity, across multiple life stages. Hatchlings, 2nd-4th year larvae, and metamorphic and paedomorphic adults were captured from multiple ponds, photographed under a blue excitation light in a portable dark room, and dorsal and ventral fluorescence was quantified. Body size was a strong positive predictor of ventral brightness while age was a stronger positive predictor for dorsal brightness. Biofluorescence was found to discretely increase during metamorphosis and sexual maturity, suggesting that these key developmental milestones are important for the functional roles of this phenomenon. Ontogenetic changes in brightness in relation to age and size suggest a number of diversified roles for biofluorescence. In larvae, it could function in predator avoidance and intraspecific foraging whereas in adults, ventral brightness could play a role in visual communication of morph and sex identification, such as for mate competition and choice. By examining ontogenetic-level biofluorescence, we can provide clearer direction into future research studying the ecological role of this phenomenon in tetrapods.
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