Discovered the first living creature to glow blue in South America

Study author Cassius Stevanicho, from the Institute of Chemistry of the University of São Paulo, notes that this is the first time scientists have recorded blue emissions from a land-based creature in South America.

"We have previously conducted scientific research on bioluminescent fungi in the same area for nearly 20 years. My team is responsible for nearly 20% of all bioluminescent fungi in the world. We have found 15 of 102 species in the same area, ' Cassius Stevanicho said.

Images of exotic larvae are capable of glowing blue.

The strange species was identified as a type of larva , officially called Neoceroplatus betaryiensis , collected from decaying plants during a special period of rain and heat, with a relative humidity of 90%.

When touched, the larvae stop and glow the tail and two spots near the eyes. They only stop glowing when they no longer feel excited or in the presence of predators.

"The larvae are very active, especially at night, which can move continuously while being completely covered with mucus. When disturbed, they quickly move under their mucus , " the Researchers write in scientific reports.

However, there is an anomaly in one of the specimens collected from the underside of a fallen leaf. The larva glows throughout its body and shows what the team calls bizarre behavior that moves slower and lurks less than its peers.

The diffuse light found in this organism may be the result of a defensive response against the parasite or the consequences of organ damage spreading along the body of the larva. However, it may also belong to a new species.

Blue glowing insects are rare in nature, with such bioluminescence often reserved for other organisms, such as algae, starfish and fish. Therefore, the new discovery has opened up a new research direction that could have far-reaching applications in biotechnology and genetic markers.

The team found that the larvae contain a luciferin- storing protein called SBF . In the future, the team is expected to isolate luciferin and use imaging techniques to determine its structure.

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