Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Moths actually aren’t drawn to light as previously thought, study finds
As human activities expand, light pollution rises at a rate of 2.2% annually,
according to a report in 2017. This could bring about harmful effects on
habitat loss, fragmentation, and population decline of wildlife. For example,
moths have long been believed to be attracted to light. However, a new study
found that moths and other nocturnal insects that appear to be drawn by
artificial lights are tilting their backs toward the light. They actually keep
their backs toward the brighter side, the moon and stars at night, so that they
can keep their position right in the dark. That’s why when they fly by an
artificial light, they look like flying around as if they are drawn to it. Poor
moths. In order to maintain biodiversity in nature, artificial lights should be
turned off when not used.
Read the article and learn about how moths react to artificial lights.
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