A dynamic broadband reflector built from microscopic silica spheres in the 'disco' clam Ctenoides ales.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
The 'disco' or 'electric' clam Ctenoides ales (Limidae) is the only species of bivalve known to have a behaviourally mediated photic display. This display is so vivid that it has been repeatedly confused for bioluminescence, but it is actually the result of scattered light. The flashing occurs on the mantle lip, where electron microscopy revealed two distinct tissue sides: one highly scattering side that contains dense aggregations of spheres composed of silica, and one highly absorbing side that does not. High-speed video confirmed that the two sides act in concert to alternate between vivid broadband reflectance and strong absorption in the blue region of the spectrum. Optical modelling suggests that the diameter of the spheres is nearly optimal for scattering visible light, especially at shorter wavelengths which predominate in their environment. This simple mechanism produces a striking optical effect that may function as a signal.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Dougherty, LF; Johnsen, S; Caldwell, RL; Marshall, NJ
Published Date
- September 2014
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 11 / 98
Start / End Page
- 20140407 -
PubMed ID
- 24966236
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC4233689
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1742-5662
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1742-5689
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1098/rsif.2014.0407
Language
- eng