Comparison looking up at the inside of a Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop) flower photographed in visible light (left), ultraviolet light (middle), and infrared light (right).
In visible light the flower consists of three long white oval tepals, with three shorter petals around the centre. The petals are also white, but have darker green markings on the inside and a green V shaped marking on the outside. At the centre of the flower are six pointed yellow anthers.
In ultraviolet light the flower appears pretty similar. The three outer tepals remain a light colour. The three petals also remain lightly toned with the darker marking on the inside. The six anthers at the centre of the flower appear darker in ultraviolet. Bees and insects can see ultraviolet light, and the dark markings on the inside of the petals may help guide them to where the pollen / nectar are located.
In infrared the tepals and petals remain lightly toned. However, the darker marking inside the petals is missing. The anthers appear brighter than they do in visible light.
The snowdrop is a common flower throughout the UK, and is one of the first flowers to emerge in the new year. Typically they flower around February in the UK. They prefer damp, shady areas, and are often found growing in clumps in woodland.
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