Data from: Infrared antenna-like structures in mammalian fur

Mammalian fur is a highly adaptable structure, with a broad range of
well-documented functions. Many small animals, including shrews, most
rodents, and some marsupials, have fur composed of at least four types of
hair, all with distinctive and complex anatomy. A ubiquitous and
unexplained feature is periodic, internal banding with spacing in the 6–12
μm range that hints at an underlying infrared function. One bristle-like
form, called guard hair, has the correct shape and internal periodic
patterns to function as an infrared antenna. Optical analysis of guard
hair from rodents, shrews and antechinus shows precise tuning to the
optimum wavelength for thermal imaging. An infrared sensory capability,
that provides all-round infrared threat-warning, could explain why common
predators of rodents, such as, small cats, snakes and owls have
adaptations to conceal their infrared emission. There are many other
well-recognised infrared sensors in members of the Reptilia, Insecta,
Arachnida, and Mammalia Classes. Such hair structures are not present in
bats (aerial predator) and moles (subterranean). Preliminary evidence
suggests that wild mice and rats react to infrared sources, but further
experimental evidence is required to confirm these results. The tools
developed in this work may enable us to understand the other hair-types
and their evolution.