TIL why insects are attracted to lights!
Have you ever noticed that at night time, every lamp post and light in the area will have small insects flying around it?
Why is that?
There have been several theories proposed for why this is exactly:
1. A bright light is seen as a source of safety.
Since the beginning of time, light has been seen as a source of safety and warmth for animals and people alike. We see it with people gathered around a fire and we even see this with fish as they often come to investigate when they see lights in the water. It is possible that insects, fearing the darkness they are in, are just naturally drawn to a source of light, even if they don't understand why.
2. Insects use light as a navigational beacon.
Several insects are said to use light sources as navigational aids. Insects could use a light source such as the sun or moon for example, by keeping it on their right side in order to help them fly north. For this to work the light source needs to be at a far enough distance and it needs to be constant.
Many nocturnal insects are thought to use the moon as their navigational beacon.
Artificial lights may throw off their navigational beacons and could be the reason moths and other insects are often seen flying in circles around a lamp post as they are trying to keep the light source on the same side in order to aid with navigation.
3. Insect's eyes contain multiple lenses and have trouble changing from light to dark quickly.
This theory would imply that insects can't see all that well when there is a sharp contrast between bright light and darkness. Therefore once they are drawn to the light, they can't really see away from the light, so they stay near it so they won't be flying "blind" if they were to leave it. That may be safer than flying around without being able to adjust to predators and obstacles when leaving the vicinity of the light.
Insects that are naturally attracted to light are known to have positive phototaxis, such as a moths and flies. Others that naturally turn away from the light are said to have negative phototaxis, such as cockroaches and earthworms.
In my opinion theory number 2 makes the most sense.
It is amazing with all the technological advancements recently and all the great, vast amounts of knowledge and understanding we have obtained recently, we still don't fully understand why the little old moth is drawn to a flame!
Perhaps the title of my post should be changed to; "Today I learned some possible reasons why insects are attracted to lights!" in order to be more accurate. ;)
Which theory makes the most sense to you? Maybe one that wasn't mentioned?
Live well my friends!
Sources:
http://www.wisegeek.org/why-are-insects-attracted-to-light.htm
Image Sources:
http://lighting.about.com/od/Lighting-By-Purpose/fl/Yellow-ldquoBug-Awayrdquo-Lights.htm
http://insects.about.com/od/behaviorcommunication/f/insects-attracted-light.htm
Follow: @jrcornel
Where's that 5,000 year old honey when we need it?
Haha! We have a real mosquito problem on our porch... we have been thinking of investing in a heavy duty lighted bug zapper! :)
tack
Now I know. Thanks!
@kus-knee (The Old Dog)
You got it! Although I am not sure we really "know" just yet ;)
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I had some thoughts about it, but you clarified them more with your article thanks
Your welcome! What were your thoughts? As you could tell from my article, no one is entirely sure at his point.
well my thought was that insects follow the light as a source that guides them to where they are heading to
like for example: when flies tries to get out but they be stuck on a window because of light
Interesting... could be! Scientists don't know for sure, so your best guess is as good as theirs :)