Why in News?
A study in the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology revealed that the Brazilian velvet ant (Traumatomutilla bifurca) has "ultrablack" body parts.
These parts absorb over 99.5% of visible light, making them nearly invisible. The discovery highlights unique biological nanostructures with potential applications in technology.
Taxonomy: Velvet ants are not "ants," they are a species of wasp from the family Mutillidae.
Velvet belongs to the Hymenoptera order, which also includes bees and other wasps.
Some species, such as Traumatomutilla bifurca (Brazilian velvet ant), display distinct black and white markings, making them visually striking in tropical savanna and dry shrub deserts.
Ultrablack Property: Female velvet ants display an ultrablack color which was first observed in Traumatomutilla bifurca, which absorbs nearly all visible light.
The unique color comes from special microstructures in the exoskeleton that trap light. Ultrablack pigmentation helps with camouflage, temperature control, and attracting mates.
Males vs. Females: Only female velvet ants display ultrablack coloration, while males have similar black markings but reflect more light.
Role in Ecosystem: Serves as a pollinator and contributes to maintaining ecological balance.
Evolutionary Significance: The ultrablack property highlights convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits.
This adaptation is also observed in birds-of-paradise and deep-sea fish, aiding in camouflage and survival.
Potential Scientific Applications: The ultrablack property reveals insights into nanostructures and inspires advancements in stealth technology and solar panel efficiency.
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