Flying Bugs and Lights
Feb 13, 2024 11:03:14 #
It seems that we have discovered why bugs fly toward lights. They are not attracted to the light. It's more like they are trapped by it. I'm using the term "bug" generically.
An extensive study, using slow motion video, has solved this mystery. Bugs orient themselves with their backs toward the sun when flying. This gives them several references. Bug that are flying straight and encounter a light at night naturally put their backs toward the light. Without realizing it, they continue to fly in circles, while they think they are flying straight. It's not until something distracts them - wind, a collision, or the light turning off - that they are set free.
Many insects are actually helpful to humans, and too many circling, distracted bugs can interfere with their service to us. Lights that shine up are much worse than those that shine down.
An extensive study, using slow motion video, has solved this mystery. Bugs orient themselves with their backs toward the sun when flying. This gives them several references. Bug that are flying straight and encounter a light at night naturally put their backs toward the light. Without realizing it, they continue to fly in circles, while they think they are flying straight. It's not until something distracts them - wind, a collision, or the light turning off - that they are set free.
Many insects are actually helpful to humans, and too many circling, distracted bugs can interfere with their service to us. Lights that shine up are much worse than those that shine down.
Feb 13, 2024 11:05:47 #
Moths use the moon at night, but the same scenario, they get trapped flying around the "moon".
Feb 13, 2024 11:10:37 #
Feb 13, 2024 11:20:06 #
Longshadow wrote:
Moths use the moon at night, but the same scenario, they get trapped flying around the "moon".
They have to be careful when they fly around the moon. That cow that's jumping over it will gobble them up!
Feb 13, 2024 11:22:11 #
jerryc41 wrote:
They have to be careful when they fly around the moon. That cow that's jumping over it will gobble them up!
Or squish them.....
(At least knock them silly.)
Feb 13, 2024 12:14:56 #
jerryc41 wrote:
It seems that we have discovered why bugs fly towa... (show quote)
There are several theories about why bugs are "attracted" to light. But this one is the most stupid! If they orient their backs to the light they would not fly in circles around the light, they would fly directly away from the light. Instead, they fly circles around the light, which puts the light at an approximately right angle to their body. The light would thus be off their side, not their back.
Always consider the source. The one that came up with this junk science is not credible.
Feb 13, 2024 12:28:05 #
ecblackiii wrote:
There are several theories about why bugs are &quo... (show quote)
I was going to say something about more like to one side of them.
Thanks.
Feb 13, 2024 15:16:48 #
Many flying insects have evolved with compound multi-faceted eyes and with simple eyes known as "ocelli". They do not "see" with simple eyes for they are only capable of sensing light and dark. The ability to sense light is important in flight as it helps determine the horizon which prevents the flying insect from crashing into the ground or flying off into space.
Feb 13, 2024 15:33:32 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
Many flying insects have evolved with compound multi-faceted eyes and with simple eyes known as "ocelli". They do not "see" with simple eyes for they are only capable of sensing light and dark. The ability to sense light is important in flight as it helps determine the horizon which prevents the flying insect from crashing into the ground or flying off into space.
True
Feb 13, 2024 20:22:56 #
MosheR
Loc: New York City
jerryc41 wrote:
It seems that we have discovered why bugs fly towa... (show quote)
What's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind when he splatters on your windshield?
His tush.
Feb 14, 2024 07:35:05 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
Many flying insects have evolved with compound multi-faceted eyes and with simple eyes known as "ocelli". They do not "see" with simple eyes for they are only capable of sensing light and dark. The ability to sense light is important in flight as it helps determine the horizon which prevents the flying insect from crashing into the ground or flying off into space.
I see a horror movie in that guy's future.
Feb 14, 2024 08:12:14 #
MosheR wrote:
What's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind when he splatters on your windshield?
His tush.
His tush.
🤣
Feb 14, 2024 12:17:06 #
jerryc41 wrote:
They have to be careful when they fly around the moon. That cow that's jumping over it will gobble them up!
Hopefully they’ll get scared away by the little dog barking.
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