Iridescent effect

"Why is this thing glowing
on your shoulder?"

"This thing is a Zwiesel and it senses
my emotions when I talk to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I don't like you!""

The color of fur, feathers or scales is created when melanin-forming cells in the skin release color pigments to keratin-forming cells. With the iridescent effect, shine-forming cells are also activated, which influence the structure of the "hair coat" and, in connection with light refraction, lead to iridescence.

There are animal species in which the change occurs when certain hormones are released. In some species it is controlled by food intake. The effect can have different characteristics depending on the animal species and can either be visible all the time or only show up in certain situations such as danger, as a lure or during reproduction. Persistently visible iridescence is believed to be induced by food intake and situational hormone-driven effects are innate.

Formation in the cells

Cells in the epidermis and dermis by Blue Fairy 74

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Dissemination & Distribution

Distribution of the effect among species by Blue Fairy 74

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The distribution of the effect among all animal species is estimated at about 32%, with food-induced iridescence being the highest at about 62% and the effect among arthropods being most widespread at about 27%.

In principle, iridescence can occur in the entire color spectrum. However, the higher the wavelength, the higher the proportion of distribution among species. This means that yellow to red tones are the most common at around 73%. The effect is also visible in white and black tones.

Different types and benefits of the effect

Iridescence through ingestion of food

It was found that habitats with high levels of bioluminescence in plants and fungi also have higher numbers of iridescent animals. It can be assumed that there is a certain connection, since animals in which the effect is caused by food eat more such plants and fungi.

As a result of nutrition, the iridescence is either distributed evenly over the entire surface of the kerartin-forming layers or only occurs in patterns or individual shades.

Luminizierende Pflanzen by Blue Fairy 74 via Midjourney

Depending on the region, species in which the effect is controlled by food are often kept as pets or in zoos if the procurement of the appropriate food is assured. There are different breed shows for pets. Here, the more intense the glow, the more likely a high rating is.

Hormone-controlled shimmering effects

There are three types that are controlled by hormones and are innate.

1. Wave effect
   The iridescence spreads across the body in circular or stripe-shaped pulsating waves and is primarily used as a lure or warning signal.

2. Pattern effect
   This effect is characterized by an intense glow in individual places such as points, stripes or lines and only occurs during the mating season and in dangerous situations.

3. Effects within communities
   This species has been the least observed so far and occurs mainly in animals that live together with others in larger numbers. The effect may not appear until the animals are older, affect alphas, or just mark the animals that are allowed to mate.

Species born with effect are considered sacred in some regions of Elaqitan or used in Elaqitan remedies due to magical powers ascribed to them. Additionally, some species appear to be able to sense emotions as well, so they are often companions of casters to warn them of danger.

Examples

by Blue Fairy 74 via Midjourney

Goldcrest

Scientific name:
Reax SADULI osrymlas
Habitat: Idaka

This Idacian gallinaceous bird has iridescent gold plumage interspersed with a teardrop pattern that shimmers a rich shade of blue.

Its food includes, among other things, magnificent insects and fruits of the gold leaf tree. Both seem to cause the same reaction in the gloss cells as luminescent plants on the other continents.

by Blue Fairy 74 via Midjourney

Gold tip marsupial

Scientific name:
Reos LYSAMI osmaekes
Habitat: Elaqitan

The golden-tipped marsupial is a funny and really cute marsupial that is a popular pet kept almost everywhere on Elaqitan.

Adding grains of Elaqitan Shimmering Grain to its diet will cause the tips of its fur, which would otherwise be a light golden brown, to become iridescent. The more striking the effect, the more expensive the animals are.

by Blue Fairy 74 via Midjourney

Armored toad

Scientific name:
Sanrin UMULI oslumphi
Habitat: Uluriqi

Armored toads are among the representatives that, starting from the belly region, emit circular pulsating waves over the body when danger is imminent. The carapace itself does not shimmer because the cartilaginous bony plates are too dense.

This species of toad is a favorite companion of healers because the tactile organs can sense disease and the animal begins to shimmer.

Sparkle Swarmer

Scientific name:
Sanax AWENI osrymtal
Habitat: Layida

The plumage on the back of the Sparkle Swarmer has a fine line pattern that shimmers in all possible shades of red and orange during the mating season.

by Blue Fairy 74 via Midjourney

Emerald Monkey

Scientific name:
Sanos VAELI osmaegur
Habitat: Brictaelgis

In this monkey species, the otherwise white fur of the males, who are allowed to mate with the females, shimmers in a bright emerald green on the head and back.

by Blue Fairy 74 via Midjourney

Wild Khimcat

Scientific name:
Sanos NAKHIMI osmaemas
Habitat: Téshàn

The Khimcat lives in packs. Their eyes and inner ears glow crimson when threatened. Alpha animals wear an additional effect on their fur.

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In response to Catoblepon´s Unofficial Fauna-Challenge.