The UV patterns on shells generally resemble the visible-light color
patterns in geometry, suggesting that the same pigments are
responsible for both.  UV patterns might thus be a side effect of
pigmentaiton for other purposes, unlike the presence of uniquely UV
patterns in butterflies, birds, flowers, etc.

Sometimes faded patterns are still visible under UV light.
Well-preserved fossils often show UV color patters though none are
evident under visible light.


--
Dr. David Campbell
425 Scientific Collections
University of Alabama
"I think of my happy condition, surrounded by acres of clams"

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