Fluorescence of the Ermine (Mustela Erminea L.) Fur

Abstract

We have studied the fluorescence of winter and summer furs of the ermine (Mustela erminea) taken from the dorsal and ventral parts of the animal's body. Furs have been irradiated with radiation at wavelengths of λ_exc = 270, 300, 365, 395, and 410 nm. We have found that the ventral part of the ermine fur fluoresces brighter compared to the fur of the dorsal part. It has been shown that the fluorescence spectra upon excitation at wavelengths of λ_exc = 270 and 300 nm are predominantly two-peak. We have detected that the single-peak fluorescence spectra of winter and summer furs obtained upon excitation at wavelengths of λ_exc =365, 395, and 410 nm differ markedly from each other in the position of the peak and the line width. A difference has also been found in the fluorescence spectra of the dorsal and ventral parts of the fur from each other. The results can be used to identify ermine skins in collections and items in the absence of other features.