Glowing Scorpion (7 photos)

The scorpion cuticle consists of several layers: the thin outer epicuticle, the middle layer called the exocuticle, and the thickest inner layer called the endocuticle. The middle layer is responsible for fluorescence, and it peels off along with the epicuticle during molting. As a result, scorpions do not emit light during molting and for several days afterward. It has also been noted that the brightness of their fluorescence increases with age and the strengthening of the exoskeleton.