Inside the Secret World of Iridescent Animals

The greens, blues and purples of iridescent animals are fabulous to behold. But biologists are still learning why the creatures are so colorful and bright.

Written byJoshua Rapp Learn
| 2 min read
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An iridescent male peafowl, aka a peacock.Credit: Karin Kjernsmo

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Some animals are so flashy you can’t tell what color they are. From one angle they appear neon green, but a quick movement may bring their shade to deep blue or dark purple.

The shimmer of iridescent animals definitely stands out when seen in the right context, but now new research finds that these multi-toned animals may be using their bling to hide, not stand out.

Common dotted garden skink, Sri Lanka. (Credit: Joshua Rapp Learn)

Joshua Rapp Learn

An iridescent male peafowl, aka a peacock. (Credit: Karin Kjernsmo)

Karin Kjernsmo

Nicobar pigeon (Credit: Karin Kjernsmo)

Karin Kjernsmo

Jewel beetle wing cases (Credit: Karin Kjernsmo)

Karin Kjernsmo

(Credit: Karin Kjernsmo)

Karin Kjernsmo

An iridescent weevil (Credit: Vinod Saranathan)

Vinod Saranathan

A male blue-chinned sapphire. (Credit: Chelsea Sampson/Shutterstock)

Chelsea Sampson/Shutterstock

(Credit: Vinod Saranathan)

Vinod Saranathan

Meet the Author

  • Joshua Rapp Learn

    Joshua Rapp Learn is an award-winning D.C.-based science journalist who frequently writes for Discover Magazine, covering topics about archaeology, wildlife, paleontology, space and other topics.View Full Profile

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