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The bugs around the streetlight are being tricked to think they are going in a straight line. They are doing the aerial equivalent of an ant death spiral. (www.nature.com)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by ThisIsAManWhoKnowsHowToGling@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/science@lemmy.world

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/14539407

breaking news: light pollution sends bugs to hell

Preexisting research into bugs circling lights was mainly to see what properties of the lights attracted the bugs, which is how we know that certain LED lights can prevent the bugs from flying towards it.

This study, however, showed that the bugs aren't trying to get to the light at all. The light triggers their dorsal reflex, causing them to recalibrate their sense of direction to keep the light at a fixed angle from their perspective. The bugs think they are going in a straight line, forever, and they never get to where they are going.

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[–] sping 22 points 1 year ago (11 children)

Was that not the common understanding? That's what I always assumed was happening - I think I was told as much as a small child.

I suppose it's confirmed by spatial analysis now.

[–] StaticFalconar@lemmy.world 20 points 1 year ago (8 children)

What part of your history/background made that a common understanding? Its more 'common sense' to claim bugs go to the light for warmth or attraction to light. Are your parents scientists?

[–] asmoranomar@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago

I was always told the bugs use moonlight for navigation, and artificial light of any kind throws them off. But as a kid, I didn't question it and there was no reason to verify or prove it. It was simple and made sense. I'm not saying my interpretation was common sense, but I also never heard someone say bugs fly to light for warmth. My 7 yr old ass would probably question how bugs existed before fire or something stupid.

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