MOTHS ATTRACTION TO LIGHT.

   It is common to observe moths flying around night lights in the streets and houses. This is frequently dangerous and people do not know for sure what is the advantage insects get with this behavior. The stimulus that leads the moths towards the light is not a sexual one, although some studies seem to conclude that, in some groups, male moths would be the most attracted by the light. It is known that some moth species are migratory, traveling to other regions as the seasons change. For this they guide by the moonlight, because they are night insects and the moonlight makes them fly higher avoiding obstacles and predators, as well as making the most of the droughts.

Most of the moth species are nocturnal insects.

   It is known that the moths define their route by the position of the moon and by the magnetic field of the earth; since the moon is very far, the magnetic field is a good reference point to mark the course, as if they had an internal compass. Therefore the attraction of the moths towards the artificial light is linked to the means of their guidance. Moths have been using this orientation system for millions of years, whereas humans have been using the electrical light for approximately a hundred years. Moths should adjust themselves to this new factor introduced by humans but they just simply didn't have the time to do it. It is also possible to be related to a light mechanism of escape; when a shrub where some moths hide is shaken they go to the light by a natural reaction.

     The moths detect the ultraviolet light and prefer the white and bluish light. They are not attracted to the yellow light. The light wavelength to which moths are more sensible is the ultraviolet one, that is used with electrical devices for eliminating moth plagues. A hypothesis about the way they flutter towards the light and remain close to the light source is that moths take certain time in adjusting their eyes from light to dark, like the humans, but in most of the insects this adjustment is made much more slowly. It is very dangerous for them to go away from the light because it would mean to fly completely blindly. The moths do not remember their previous experiences and will be attracted by another light source, being in the same situation again and again.
 

 Moths and butterflies attraction towards the light is used in electrical exterminators.

     Recent research proved that before a storm, when the air is humid, it increases dramatically the number of moths coming close to the lights. When the weather is dry and not windy, there are not so many moths and the ones that fly about come from less distance. It is believed that this phenomenon is related to the sound vibratons that water particles transmit in the atmosphere. In that case, the vibrations caused by lighting electrical devices, those of thermic origin, or the weak flame sounds would excite some special recipients of the moths attracting them towards the light. It is not known what is the meaning of these tiny sounds in the lives of these insects.