Friday, 10 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > Iridescent mammals are much more common than we thought
Tech and Science

Iridescent mammals are much more common than we thought

Last updated: September 26, 2025 6:07 pm
Share
Iridescent mammals are much more common than we thought
SHARE

Life

Once believed to be a unique feature of the golden mole, it has now been discovered that at least a dozen other mammal species possess iridescent fur, showcasing a spectrum of rainbow colors.

By Jake Buehler

iridescent mammal

The tropical vlei rat displays stunning, iridescent fur.

Jessica Leigh Dobson

Studies reveal that over a dozen mammal species exhibit shimmering purple and green fur, reminiscent of precious gemstones. This phenomenon, known as iridescence, causes colors to shift based on the viewer’s angle, resembling the visual effect seen on surfaces like oil slicks or the bright plumage of hummingbirds. Surprisingly, this quality is more prevalent among mammals than previously appreciated.

Jessica Leigh Dobson from Ghent University, Belgium, stumbled upon this phenomenon while analyzing mammal specimens at the Royal Museum for Central Africa. Observing an unexpected blue sheen on the fur of the tropical vlei rat (Otomys tropicalis), she was inspired to investigate further.

“I quickly returned to my office to verify whether this had been documented, as all my readings indicated that mammalian iridescence was exclusive to golden moles,” remarked Dobson. The golden mole, a burrowing mammal, is unexpectedly more related to elephants than to true moles, garnering its name from its shiny hairs.

Upon delving into scientific literature, Dobson discovered sporadic references to glittering fur in other mammal species dating back over a century. Working with her team, she meticulously examined specimens associated with anecdotal accounts of iridescence or those related taxonomically. Utilizing light microscopy, they analyzed the reflected wavelengths of light from fur at various angles, identifying a vivid spectrum of color reflections.

See also  Luigi Mangione Said He Had Spondylolisthesis: What Is It?

The results were unexpected: golden moles are not singular in their shimmering appearance. An additional 14 mammal species exhibit similar iridescent qualities, including a diverse array of rodents and the giant otter shrew (Potamogale velox), a unique predator with aquatic habits. Notably, six of these species had never been scientifically recognized for their iridescence before this research.

“This comprehensive examination sheds light on a previously underexplored and often overlooked phenomenon,” commented Beth Reinke from Northeastern Illinois University, who was not part of the research.

Investigating the hair structure of these iridescent mammals revealed notable characteristics: each hair was remarkably smooth and consisted of a series of tightly compressed sub-parallel layers. These layers bend light differently, resulting in the shimmering colors, as noted by Dobson.

The research team hypothesizes that this sheen may be an evolutionary adaptation related to their living environments. Most of these mammals are either burrowing or aquatic, suggesting that the smoothness of their fur could assist in maintaining cleanliness in muddy or wet habitats.

Nevertheless, the iridescence could also serve a communicative purpose akin to many bird species, Dobson speculates, opening the door to new avenues of exploration in this area.

Looking ahead, there are numerous opportunities for discovery. A new species of shrew recently identified in Indonesia has shown signs of iridescent fur, suggesting that more species await recognition in this fascinating realm. Dobson is enthusiastic about the prospect of uncovering more about this captivating phenomenon, especially considering that there are about 2500 rodent species, and only a small fraction has been studied.

See also  The Common App Used to Be Primarily for Private Colleges. That’s Changed

Topics:

TAGGED:CommonIridescentmammalsthought
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Elliot Page and Demi Moore Go Gucci in Milan and Tate McRae Performs at iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas: September 2025 Elliot Page and Demi Moore Go Gucci in Milan and Tate McRae Performs at iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas: September 2025
Next Article Stacey L. Kirby: The Bureau of Personal Belonging Stacey L. Kirby: The Bureau of Personal Belonging
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Chicago cop used his badge to buy guns for Mexican smuggler: feds

Home Brandon’s Bodies Courtroom Transparency Fund Members Only Section Subscribe Contact Us/About Us September 24,…

September 24, 2025

The American People Can’t Be Bought As Elon Musk Humiliated In Wisconsin Election

Please support PoliticusUSA by becoming a subscriber.In a bid to sway the Wisconsin Supreme Court…

April 1, 2025

How a Y Combinator food-delivery app used TikTok to soar in the App Store

The latest internet trend involves individuals addressing the camera in a slightly aggressive tone, warning…

July 24, 2025

Using a fan and wetting the skin reduces risk of deadly cardiac strain in hot and humid weather, research shows

New research conducted by the University of Sydney and the Montreal Heart Institute has revealed…

November 6, 2024

Oscars winners; Volodymyr Zelenskyy; Donald Trump : NPR

Good morning. Welcome to the latest edition of the Up First newsletter. Don't miss out, subscribe to…

March 3, 2025

You Might Also Like

Physicists are uncovering when nature’s strongest force falters
Tech and Science

Physicists are uncovering when nature’s strongest force falters

October 10, 2025
What Do Astronomy and Jewelry Have in Common? In the Late Renaissance, Look to the Stars
Culture and Arts

What Do Astronomy and Jewelry Have in Common? In the Late Renaissance, Look to the Stars

October 10, 2025
In a First, Pig Liver Helped a Cancer Patient Survive for More Than a Month
Tech and Science

In a First, Pig Liver Helped a Cancer Patient Survive for More Than a Month

October 10, 2025
Want to See the Best Fall Colors This Year? Science Has the Answer
Tech and Science

Want to See the Best Fall Colors This Year? Science Has the Answer

October 10, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?