What is UV-B?

What is UV-B?

Author
Emmanuel Van Heygen
Exo Terra Brand Manager

UVB stands for Ultraviolet B radiation, a type of ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Ultraviolet or UV light is a high-energy portion of the electromagnetic spectrum beyond visible light. The UV spectrum is divided into three wavelength groups:

  • UV-A – Long wave ultraviolet A ranges from 320-400 nm
  • UV-B – Medium wave ultraviolet B ranges from 280-320 nm (UV-B below 290nm is filtered out by the earth’s stratosphere and is considered dangerous non-terrestrial UV-B)
  • UV-C – Short wave ultraviolet C ranges from 100-280 nm (dangerous to all living organisms: present in sunlight but filtered out by the earth’s stratosphere)

In the wild, most reptiles synthesize their vitamin D3 from the UV-B component of sunlight. Vitamin D3 is essential for the effective metabolism of dietary calcium in reptiles. UV-B reacts with the precursor of vitamin D, 7-dehydrocholesterol, in the skin to produce provitamin D3. Depending on heat and the aid of a mechanism in the skin, provitamin D3 is converted into vitamin D3. The liver and kidneys transform vitamin D3 into its active form, a hormone (1,25, hydroxy-vitamin D) that regulates calcium metabolism.

Radiation Spectrum
 

Carnivorous and omnivorous reptiles get a high proportion of their vitamin D3 requirement from their food. However, plants do not contain D3 (cholecalciferol), instead they contain D2 (ergocalciferol), which is far less efficient in calcium metabolism than D3. Herbivorous reptiles are therefore far more dependent upon the quantity and quality of artificial lighting than carnivorous specimens. If inadequate vitamin D3 is available, the animal will rapidly develop the condition known as Metabolic Bone Disease. In this condition, bone density suffers and various other serious metabolic problems occur. Symptoms include swelling, lethargy, general weakness, tremors and softening of the shell in turtles and tortoises. 

Next to a UV-B light source, adequate levels of calcium must be present in the diet or must be provided by means of dietary supplementation. Juvenile reptiles are most at risk, although adults too can be affected if maintained in a state of deficiency for a long enough period. Egg laying females are also at great risk, due to the extra demands in calcium necessary for egg production.

Apart from UV-B, the UV-A component of ultraviolet light also plays an important role in reptile and amphibian health. It has been demonstrated that UV-A can influence agonistic, reproductive, and signalling behaviours in reptiles. As reptiles can see into the UV-A range (320-400 nm) it will affect the way they see things. The colour of their food or their bodies will appear different in a reptile’s eye then the way we see it if exposed to UV-A radiation. Signalling by exposing body parts (e.g. Anolis sp.) or changing colours (e.g. Chameleon sp.) is common in reptiles, these signals are perceived and also interpreted differently by reptiles if UV-A radiation is absent. Failure to provide UV-A to diurnal reptiles can cause stress by altering the reptile’s perception of its surroundings and how it responds to it. This is crucial for breeding or keeping them around for the length of their natural life span.

Author
Emmanuel Van Heygen
Exo Terra Brand Manager

“In the wild, most reptiles synthesize their vitamin D3 from the UVB component of sunlight. Vitamin D3 is essential for the effective metabolism of dietary calcium in reptiles.”

UV Absorbtion by the Stratosphere

Ultraviolet Radiation Absorbed by the Stratosphere

Lighting Topics

Comprehensive UV Index Table

Comprehensive UV Index Table

Reptiles and amphibians inhabit a diverse range of environments, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for exposure to sunlight. This variation in sunlight exposure is critical for their thermoregulation, natural activities, and especially for many of their physiological and biological processes, including the synthesis of vitamin D3, calcium metabolism, boosting the immune system, and promoting a healthy appetite and digestion.

Sunlight, A Beacon of Life

Sunlight, A Beacon of Life

Sunlight arrives at the top of the earth's atmosphere at a power level of about one kilowatt per square meter. It is by this energy that all life-processes on earth are ultimately driven. Without the sun's constant energy input our planet would quickly radiate away its own energy in short order, making all life extinct.

The Myth of Nocturnal Creatures and UVB Light

The Myth of Nocturnal Creatures and UVB Light

The belief that nocturnal animals don't require UVB exposure has been a long-standing one in the world of reptile and amphibian care. The argument, "It’s nocturnal—it doesn’t need UVB," has been a staple for many enthusiasts and breeders. However, recent scientific studies have begun to challenge this age-old notion, shedding light on the importance of UVB for all creatures, regardless of their diurnal patterns.

Understanding Ferguson Zones

Understanding Ferguson Zones

The Ferguson Zones were developed in 2010 by Professor Gary Ferguson of the Texas Christian University. Ferguson and his team of herpetologists gathered data of the daily UV exposure of 15 species of reptiles. In the publication that followed, these 15 species were divided into four groups according to their thermoregulatory behaviour (daily sun exposure) and microhabitat preferences: the "Ferguson Zones". The corresponding UV guidelines were based on the average irradiance of randomly encountered wild specimens: Zone 1 with the least, to Zone 4 with the highest exposure.

Vitamin D3 and Reptiles: A Vital Connection

Vitamin D3 and Reptiles: A Vital Connection

Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in the health and well-being of reptiles, much like it does in other animals. This hormone is integral to mineral metabolism and bone development in reptiles. One of its most significant roles is to enhance calcium absorption from the intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D3, reptiles couldn’t absorb dietary calcium efficiently, which is crucial for their skeletal health and overall well-being.

What is Light?

What is Light?

Sunlight arrives at the top of the earth's atmosphere at a power level of about one kilowatt per square meter. It is by this energy that all life-processes on earth are ultimately driven. Without the sun's constant energy input our planet would quickly radiate away its own energy in short order, making all life extinct.

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