Scientists have discovered an insect emitting blue light

[[MC]Ronin[MC]]

Scientists have discovered an insect emitting blue light

Brazilian researchers have discovered a new species of insects from the Keroplatidae family, whose larvae emit blue light, reports the Phys.org website, citing a publication in Scientifiques Reports.
 
The tiny two-winged mosquito-related mosquito inhabits the Atlantic Rainforest Reserve in São Paulo. Scientists first encounter blue bioluminescence in the Neotropical Eco Zone, covering South America, Central America and the Antilles. Many bioluminescent insects and fungi have been observed in the region so far that emit green, yellow or red light.

The new species is called Neoceroplatus betaryiensis. The larvae were discovered by accident while scientists collected bioluminescent mushrooms and found that they emit unusual blue light.
 
"Mushrooms and fireflies do not glow in blue, so there was nothing left to do but come across a new species," says one of the study's authors, Cassius Stevani of the Institute of Chemistry at the University of São Paulo. Looking closer, experts have discovered a previously unknown species of insect. The larvae of Neoceroplatus betaryiensis live in tree trunks. They have three glowing zones - one at the tail and two near the eyes.

So far, blue bioluminescence has been observed only in North America, New Zealand and Asia.