Ultrablack Velvet Ant Discovered with Unique Pigmentation

Why in the news?

Scientists in Brazil discovered an ultrablack velvet ant species, Trauma mutilla bifurca, with light-absorbing pigmentation. This rare feature, unique among Hymenoptera, raises questions about its evolutionary purpose and defense mechanisms, sparking scientific curiosity.

Ultrablack Velvet Ant Discovered with Unique Pigmentation

Discovery of the Ultrablack Brazilian Velvet Ant:

  • Velvet ants, despite their name, are actually wasps.
  • The species Trauma mutilla bifurca found in Brazil displays ultrablack pigmentation, as confirmed by scientists led by Vinicius Lopez from the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro.
  • This ultrablack shade absorbs almost all visible and ultraviolet light, making it unique among Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, and ants).

Mechanism Behind Ultrablack Pigmentation

  • The ultrablack coloration is achieved through microstructures beneath a dense layer of hair, resembling stacked platelets like book pages.
  • These structures swallow nearly all incoming light, creating the matte black appearance.
  • Such pigmentation is rare and can serve various functions in nature, like camouflage, temperature regulation, or mate attraction through high contrast with brighter colors.

Mystery of the Ultrablack Trait

  • Predators typically avoid velvet ants due to their hard exoskeletons, painful stings, and screeches, making it unclear if ultrablack pigmentation aids in camouflage.
  • The ultrablack feature is only observed in females, adding to the mystery of its evolutionary purpose.
  • Researchers speculate that the pigmentation might act as an additional defense mechanism against predators that detect ultraviolet light.
  • The findings, published in the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, highlight the unique adaptations of this species.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times