The Brazilian Velvet Ant is a rare insect that boasts an ultra-black coloration so dark it absorbs almost all visible light. This unique trait is thought to serve as a warning to predators, making the ant nearly invisible in its arid habitat.
Found in the Caatinga shrubland in northeastern Brazil, this insect has a distinctive appearance with furry exterior and black and white markings. Its ultra-black coloration is not just a matter of pigmentation, but also the result of sophisticated microstructures beneath dense hair-like setae.
Research suggests that this trait may provide protection from predators by minimizing reflectance and enhancing light absorption. The team’s findings have sparked interest in designing man-made materials with similar properties, such as ultra-black paint for cooling aircraft and spacecraft.
This study is one of few to explore the ultra-black coloration in nature, making it a significant breakthrough in understanding this rare phenomenon. Further research is needed to uncover the evolutionary pressures behind this unique trait and its potential applications in technology.
Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-brazilian-velvet-ant-a-rare-ultra-black-wasp-thats-dark-that-it-absorbs-almost-all-visible-light-180985701