Question: Why do scorpions glow under a black light?
Answers:
The scorpion has phosphors in its exoskeleton. A phosphor is a term used to describe any substance that can absorbs UV radiation and release visible light. Both UV radiation (light) and visible light are forms of electromagnetic radiation-EMR. The UV light has much higher energy than does visible light.
Phosphors fluoresce, which means they only release visible light as long as they are receiving high energy light.
Discover For Yourself
If you live in an area where there are scorpions, such as in Texas where I live, you can shine a black light on a scorpion. Since this works best in the dark, I suggest that you work with a DEAD scorpion. I have started collecting the scorpions that I find in my house–they are are floating in alcohol. I was working with a group of children recently and showed them my jar of scorpions. They were excited to see them glow under the UV light.
Petroleum Jelly, such as Vaseline, has phosphors. You can put this jelly on your skin and it will glow while under a black light.
Caution: Don’t shine a black light into your eyes.