Rethinking Reptile Lighting - Part 2

Full-Spectrum and UV Lighting

The term “light” is typically associated with vision, and because people are the ones doing the research, we have identified the visual portion of the electromagnetic spectrum according to the colors that we are able to see. Full-spectrum lighting for reptiles should have emissions in the human visible wavelengths (red through violet), in addition to emissions in the UVA region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is important to note that a full-spectrum reptile lamp may not produce UVB, unless the manufacturer specifically states so on the package. The shorter wavelengths adjacent to the human visible wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum are appropriately called ultraviolet.

These wavelengths are broken into three categories: UVA, UVB and UVC. As mentioned, many reptiles and amphibians can see things illuminated by UVA light, and thus UVA makes up a portion of their visible spectrum. UVB wavelengths are shorter than UVA wavelengths and may or may not be visible. Even though lamps are used to produce UVB, the term “UVB light” is a bit of a misnomer, because animals may not have the ability to see things illuminated by UVB wavelengths. UVB is associated with synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, in addition to playing a role in the immune system of animals.

There is evidence that reptiles can sense UVB and will adjust their exposure based on the amount of vitamin D in their blood. UVC and shortwave UVB wavelengths below 290 nanometers do not penetrate the earth’s atmosphere and are harmful to animals.