Artificial Lights trap Insects in Disorienting Orbits, Driving Population Declines
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New research finds that artificial lights confuse rather than attract insects. Insects appear trapped in orbit around lights, keeping their backs facing the light source.
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Insects use lighting cues from the moon and stars to navigate and orient themselves. Artificial lights disrupt this, causing them to fly in endless loops and upside down.
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Light pollution is a major driver of insect population decline. It diverts insects from mating, pollinating, and evading predators.
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Flood lights are the worst offenders, as the wide beams of light cause insects to abruptly flip upside down and crash land.
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Solutions include using less artificial light at night, avoiding flood lights, using warmer LEDs, and shielding lights to reduce glare.