Did you know that there is an ant that shines blue like a gem? The new species, Paraparatrechina neela, was discovered in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India, and was described in 2024. It measures only about 2 millimeters in length and has a vibrant metallic blue body. "Neela" means "blue" in Sanskrit.
This striking blue color is believed to be due to an optical phenomenon known as "structural coloration," rather than pigments. The surface of the ant has very fine layered structures and irregularities, which reflect only specific wavelengths of light, allowing our eyes to perceive only the blue. This is what we refer to as "structural coloration."
The blue-glowing ant is a small gem created by nature. Its brilliance can be considered a masterful art formed by the interplay of light and shape.