Ultraviolet Biofluorescence in Pocket Gophers

Abstract

Biofluorescence in mammal pelage is considered rare, but has been documented in multiple taxa in recent years. Herein, we provide the first observations of biofluorescence in fossorial mammals. We documented biofluorescence in live Geomys pinetis (southeastern pocket gopher) and in museum specimens of four additional geomyid species. Although unknown, the adaptive significance of biofluorescence in pocket gophers is likely similar to that documented in terrestrial and arboreal species previously, including communication or predator evasion.