"The Sky's the Limit: Unraveling the Mystery of Insects' Attraction to Light at Night"
Researchers have discovered that insects circle artificial lights at night because they lose track of the sky due to the way their flight patterns are disrupted by the lights. The insects' behavior is a result of a known response called the dorsal light response, where they point their backs toward the lights, altering their flight paths. This behavior leaves them vulnerable and prone to exhaustion, making them easy targets for predators and disrupting nocturnal ecosystems. The study highlights the harmful effects of light pollution on insects and emphasizes the need to minimize artificial light at night to protect nocturnal wildlife and restore views of the night sky.
