Like most naturalists, I have a selection of everyday field kit that travels with me most everywhere I go. A hand lens, a low strength monocular (8x at most), notebook, pencil, Swiss Army knife, general use forceps, a couple of all-purpose collecting vials, and two flashlights – one standard and one ultraviolet. To most who have ever seen me draw any of these items out of my shoulder bag in order to satisfy my curiosity about something I’ve noticed, all generally make perfect sense and pass without comment – except the UV flashlight.
The fact that I carry one of these handy little devices has struck all but those of a similar naturalist disposition as somewhere between curious to odd. However when I explain the utility and uses of it, they are quickly brought around to understanding. The ability to discovery scorpions (all scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light, so do some centipedes, millipedes, and crayfish) hidden in difficult-to-see hiding places makes perfect sense to many. Automotive enthusiasts quickly take to the utility of such lights being able to detect engine leaks. Anyone handling paper currency in an area prone to counterfeit bills would certainly benefit from having one ready-to-hand. And travelers staying in hotels… well, UV light can be used to detect bodily fluids.
The challenge with ultraviolet lights is finding one that is sufficiently portable, durable, and of sufficient strength to accomplish the desired tasks. Inexpensive ones with weak beams are relatively easy to come by – but these are generally of little value and not worth the space they take up in a pocket or bag. Professional level models can be truly outstanding (I have two, both of which are superb), but tend to be a little on the physically large side for everyday carrying, and their prices tend to reflect their level of quality. Which is why I was so pleased recently to discover a happy middle ground in the Coast PX100.
Weighing just 65 grams, measuring a mere 10.7 centimeters in length, and costing in the neighborhood of $20 at retail, this handy little gem is powers by a single AA battery that provides a strong, well-focused beam of 400nm ultraviolet light capable of locating well-hidden scorpions deep under building foundations or far down a cavern path. It’s also rated to an environmental protection level of IPX4, so carrying and using it out in the elements isn’t likely to impair its operation. Its aluminum body and LED illumination source also make it more than sufficiently durable to withstand being knocked around in the field or while carried.
I particularly appreciate the PX100 being operable with only one hand thanks to its butt-cap push button power switch. I can easily slip it out of the side pocket of my shoulder bag with one hand, power it on, and scan an area even when holding something else in – or steadying myself with – my other. There is also a handy little tether connection point built into the edge of the butt-cap if carrying it on a lanyard, wrist strap, or safety cord is desired.
So if you are looking to add the ability to uncover any of the range of hidden creatures, substances, or tricks discoverable under ultraviolet light, I highly recommend adding one a Coast PX100 to your field kit, essentials bag, or wherever you keep your most useful field as well as daily life tools. It’s more than up to most any relevant task and the cost won’t set you back more than a movie ticket and popcorn.
