Florent Lefortier answered
Most insects are attracted to lamps because of the light. Nobody actually knows why this is, but the most popular theory is the “moon navigation” one.
Moon Navigation Theory
The most likely explanation for the love affair between night insects and electronic lighting is that night insects (like moths) evolved to use the moon as a navigation point.
If the moon’s reflected light is kept at a constant angle to the moth, they know they’re flying in a straight, steady path.
The moths weren’t banking on humans coming along and inventing artificial lighting, though. Now, they see an artificial light, and instinctively assume that it’s the moon. Whereas the moon won’t get any closer if they fly towards it, artificial lights will – and do.
There’s a good chance that this is why you so often see insects circling and flying into electric lights. It’s irritating for us, but it must be infuriating for them!
Moon Navigation Theory
The most likely explanation for the love affair between night insects and electronic lighting is that night insects (like moths) evolved to use the moon as a navigation point.
If the moon’s reflected light is kept at a constant angle to the moth, they know they’re flying in a straight, steady path.
The moths weren’t banking on humans coming along and inventing artificial lighting, though. Now, they see an artificial light, and instinctively assume that it’s the moon. Whereas the moon won’t get any closer if they fly towards it, artificial lights will – and do.
There’s a good chance that this is why you so often see insects circling and flying into electric lights. It’s irritating for us, but it must be infuriating for them!
