A Conversation for Why don't moths fly toward the sun if they are attracted to light?
Moth and light theories
MrDavidH Started conversation Sep 17, 2005
Why (some) moths are attracted to light is a question with several possible answers. Here are two of them.
1) The most commonly given explanation is that moths mistake the light source for the moon. There is good evidence that moths use the moon to help navigate. By maintaining a specific angle to the moon they can make sure they are flying in a straight line (over short periods and short distances). The idea therefore is that they try to do this with the light source.
The problem with this theory is that if this is what happens the moths should constantly adjust its angle to the light and in approach it in a spiral pattern.
My observation (and that of others) is that this does not describe the way in which most moths approach my light traps.
2) An alternative explanation is that the bright light acting on the compound eye of the moth so effectively stimulate the receptors in the eye that are seeing it that the neighbouring receptors undergo inhibition. So from the moths perspective the light is surrounded by darkness. The moth therefore tries to hide from the light by diving into the dark area to hide. Of course this changes its relation to the light making the dark areas move. Hence the moth approaches the light.
I'm not entirely convinced by either of these theories. For more discussion of this you could read http://makeashorterlink.com/?U55E240DB
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Moth and light theories
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