Honestly Sarah, I would think it would have more to do w/ absorbing heat/energy from the light. The iridescence is a result of small/microscopic ridges on the scales that act similar to a prism, bending the light. Simple physics will show that this effect will create heat (sort of like a magnifying glass frying ants (yeah.. I was a mean little kid) - or the green house effect when the sun shines through your car windows.. ) This reflection is most intense at wavelengths of natural sunlight (or artificial light at similar wavelengths).

While I am certainly a bit biased to the Epicrates.. they are not the only snake that have this iridescence.. in fact, it is found in other boas, pythons and colubrids and maybe in the other families as well.



The thing that makes it most curious to me is the fact that most of the species that have this "iridescence" are noctornal.. and typically are well hidden by the time the sun rises.. rarely coming out during the daytime.



I would certainly be interested in hearing what Jeff's opinion is on this though, I am sure he will chime in when he sees the post.



Do you have rainbows at the wildlife sanctuary?



>>I was wondering if anyone knew what function the iridescent scales of rainbow boas serves as a form of camouflage in the rainforest? I work at a wildlife sanctuary in a children's museum and my boss asked me that question and I honestly didn't know the answer. My best guess was that the scales mimic the way light is split through raindrops but like I said, that was just a guess.

>>

>>Thanks!

>>Sarah

>>

>>0.1 "Bubblegum" ratsnake: Aida

>>1.0 Central American Painted Wood Turtle: PhilBert

>>A zoo's worth of other critters at work
-----
photos.xtremecombatsports.com

[ Show Entire Thread ]