Name: Roberto García Roa
Title: Glowing Mating
Category: Animals
Nationality: Spanish
Occupation: Researcher / Wildlife Photographer

Roberto says:
‘Fluorescence is a biological phenomenon that ranges across kingdoms, from bacteria to animals. In animals, scorpions are probably the most iconic group. The function of this phenomenon is still unclear, but it is a helpful way to find scorpions in the field at night. By using a UV lantern I found two black Ecuadorian scorpions mating on a tree in the Ecuadorian tropical forest (Tiputini, Ecuador).

This event was not easy to capture with my camera because a long exposure is required to record fluorescence and, during courtship, scorpions usually perform a dance with their bodies and pedipalps that constantly changes their position, which hampers sharpness.’

Technical information
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro
ISO 320
f/16
8sec
Accessories: UV lantern
Post processing: Basic adjustments in Camera Raw.

Website: robertogarciaroa.com
Instagram: garcia_roa_photography
Twitter: RGarcia_roa