Why are bugs attracted to the light?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the common theory that bugs are attracted to light because they mistake it for moonlight, but questions the evolutionary advantage of such behavior. However, it is explained that bugs are actually attracted to different aspects of light, such as UV rays and heat, which serve different purposes for their survival. Fireflies, for example, use their bioluminescence to attract each other. The conversation ends with a link to a website that further explains the topic.
  • #1
maverick_starstrider
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It's such an obvious well known thing but for the life of me I can't think why this would be. Pre-humans the only thing I can think of that would give off light at night are fires and lightning. Neither of which you'd think a bug would want to head towards. What's the evolutionary advantage of such behaviour?
 
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  • #2
Moths are not attracted to light. They are nocturnal and use the moon for navigation. They mistake artificial light for moonlight and because of the short distance to the source, their navigation system causes them to spiral in on it.
 
  • #3
Some bugs are sensitive to ultraviolet light reflected by flowers at night. Artificial lights that emit UV rays will also be attractive to these guys. Other bugs are drawn to the heat that incandescent bulbs produce at night. Fireflies are bugs and bulbs all in one. They use their bioluminescence to attract each other.
http://sciencebits.wordpress.com/2008/09/19/why-are-bugs-attracted-to-light/

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Why+are+bugs+attracted+to+the+light?
 

1. Why are bugs attracted to light?

Many bugs are attracted to light because they use it as a navigational tool. They use the moon and stars to navigate at night, and artificial lights can confuse them and cause them to fly towards it.

2. Do all bugs get attracted to light?

No, not all bugs are attracted to light. Some bugs, such as cockroaches, are actually repelled by light and will try to avoid it.

3. What type of light attracts bugs the most?

Bugs are most attracted to UV light, which is emitted by the sun and some artificial lights. This type of light is used by bugs as a navigational tool, so they are naturally drawn to it.

4. Can artificial lights harm bugs?

Yes, artificial lights can harm bugs in different ways. Some bugs, like moths, can get too close to the light and get burned by the heat. Others, like fireflies, may become disoriented and unable to find a mate if they are drawn to artificial lights instead of each other.

5. Is there a way to prevent bugs from being attracted to light?

There are a few ways to prevent bugs from being attracted to light. One way is to use yellow or amber lights, which are less attractive to bugs than white or blue lights. Another way is to keep lights off when not needed, especially during peak bug activity times at night.

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