New BioClock research: nocturnal insect attraction throughout the night 

Artificial light at night has a large impact on our environment, and nocturnal insects are particularly sensitive to it. Previous BioClock research already showed us that color affects insect attraction. But now, thanks to a new study by BioClock researcher Gabriel Charvalakis, we know that it is also affected by the time of night.

The experiment

To study this phenomenon, Gabriel and his colleagues placed special camera traps in four forested locations in the Netherlands. Each camera trap was outfitted with an LED strip capable of emitting five different light colors: ultraviolet, blue, green, amber, and red. The researchers then recorded the timing of insect attraction over twelve non-consecutive nights.

All early(-ish) arrivers

The results? All types of insects tended to arrive at the light in the early to middle parts of the night.  Midges were drawn to light early in the night, while moths peaked a bit later. The color of the light also made a big impact on the time of attraction for midges. They were attracted earlier by ultraviolet and red light, while green and amber light only drew them in later in the night. The timing of moths was, however, unaffected by the light color.

What can we do?

These findings, combined with previous research on general insect attraction based on color spectrum, may help us minimize insect attraction. By using light wisely – for example, by adjusting dimmers or color settings to moments and spectra that are less attractive – the negative impact of artificial light on insects could be reduced.

Read the full article here.