Updated On: 30 January, 2026 11:57 AM IST | Tarun Verma
The Indian red scorpion (Hottentotta tamulus), one of India’s most venomous species, was spotted glowing blue-green under ultraviolet light in Nashik district. Captured by scientist Rajesh Sanap, the sighting highlights the scorpion’s natural fluorescence caused by compounds in its exoskeleton. (Pics/Rajesh Sanap)

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The scorpion was sighted outside the protected area in on the descending slope of a small hillock at Nashik
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Pictures of the Indian red scorpion were captured by Rajesh Sanap, a scientist at the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, revealing how the scorpion’s otherwise ordinary brownish appearance transforms into a luminous spectacle when exposed to UV rays

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Certain compounds present in the scorpion’s exoskeleton (outer body layer) react to ultraviolet light, producing fluorescence, making it a biological reaction
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Wildlife expert Rajesh Sanap also noted that while scorpion sightings are fairly common, they are difficult to detect with the naked eye and are more easily observed using a UV torch

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The Indian red scorpion is one of the most venomous scorpion species in India, and this particular creature was spotted on Wednesday in the Nashik district
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