Finding Fluorescence: Utilizing community science to document novel biofluorescence occurrences and encourage community engagement in science

Fluorescence, a form of photoluminescence, is the emission of light at a longer wavelength by a substance when exposed to shorter-wavelength energy. Biofluorescence, which can be observed in living organisms, involves the absorption of light at one wavelength and re-emission at a longer wavelength due to fluorophores in specialized cells or structures. While initially studied in marine organisms, attention has shifted to exploring biofluorescence in terrestrial organisms, revealing roles in reproduction, camouflage, communication, and prey attraction across phyla. Community science databases engage the public in data collection, fostering scientific discovery and strengthening the science-society connection. Such databases have become valuable tools and have aided scientists in understanding the natural history of many different traits in organisms. This paper introduces Finding Fluorescence, the first biofluorescence-based community science website established in 2020 to gather public observations of biofluorescent organisms. The study presents at least 15 novel biofluorescence accounts spanning five phyla, 15 families, and 15 species. The observations collected from Finding Fluorescence contribute to our understanding of fluorescence in organisms and provide insight into possible ecological functions. We emphasize the importance of community engagement in scientific exploration and encourage future studies to incorporate such aspects into their research.