Nature is usually filled with many colors and patterns, making it one of the most beautiful sights. But this little critter has evolved to be so black that it absorbs every bit of light that hits it, and here’s why.
What Does Ultrablack Mean
If you think about the color black, imagine it is 20 times darker and won’t be black enough. Ultrablack is a term used to describe surfaces that absorb 99.5% or more of incoming light. This makes them appear so dark that they almost look like voids in space, erasing contours and details.
Velvet Ants, That Aren’t Ants At All
One of the most intriguing ultrablack animals is the velvet ant. Despite its name, the velvet ant isn’t an ant but a type of wasp. Only the females are flightless, but that’s where the name originated. Its dense black hairs serve a fascinating purpose beyond just making it look striking.
The Illusion Of An Empty Space
“We have never seen this kind of color in the dragonflies or bees or beetles we have analyzed,” said Rhainer Guillermo-Ferreira, another entomologist at the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, to the New York Times. Ultrablack animals use their extreme darkness as a defense mechanism. The velvet ant’s deep black fur creates an optical illusion that can make it appear two-dimensional, confusing predators that rely on vision to hunt.
The Science Behind Their Darkness
According to researchers, “These colors are formed in nature by a sophisticated arrangement of microstructures alongside dark pigments.” Instead of just pigment, their surfaces are designed to trap light, preventing reflection and making them appear even darker. This ensures that less than 1% of light can escape.
The Power Of Camouflage
These little critters have a unique advantage in their camouflage abilities. Unlike other creatures, their ultrablack color creates the illusion of a void, making it hard for predators to spot them. Although they might see movement, they might not be able to identify what they see.
A Clear Warning Sign
Velvet ants are well known for their extremely painful stings, toxins, and hard exoskeleton. Their extremely dark color could indicate danger to some predators. There is also a slight possibility that their extremely dark color could protect them against ultraviolet light, but researchers haven’t been able to prove this yet.
The Velvet Ant’s Sting
The velvet ant is well-known for its painful sting and is also known as the “cow killer.” Some people have described their sting as one of the most painful bites they have ever endured. Not all velvet ants are ultrablack, as there are many variations, but their sting is equally agonizing.
Male vs Female Velvet Ants
Researchers are still baffled as to why the female velvet ants have this black coloration but not the males. Male velvet ants reflect light at a much higher rate, and the reason for this is still unknown.
Inspiration For Technology
Scientists are studying ultrablack animals to create better light-absorbing materials. These findings could improve solar panels, telescopes, and even stealth technology for aircraft and military applications. “The blackest black should be a constantly improving number,” said Brian Wardle, an MIT professor of aeronautics and astronautics.
The Evolutionary Advantage of Being Ultradark
Ultrablack coloration has been seen in more and more different species as they evolve. While the reason for this might not always be known to researchers, it’s clear that the benefits of this dark coloration are so great that it will keep evolving as time goes on.
The Insect That Keeps On Giving
Guillermo-Ferreira says, “Every time we study velvet ants, they give us some new, interesting result.” As science advances, we may learn how and why these creatures evolved to absorb nearly all light.
Ultrablack In Other Animals
On land, animals like the velvet ant use ultrablack to intimidate and confuse predators, but in the deep ocean, ultrablack fish use it for a different reason—stealth. The complete absorption of light helps them remain invisible in the pitch-black waters. There are many reasons why animals need these dark colors, but the reason behind them still amazes us.
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