3 ms·
The paper in question contradicts your hypothesis. > Only one experiment has tracked moth trajectories to lights over long distances, and found only 2 of 50 i
by MauranKilom 3y ago
The paper in question contradicts your hypothesis.
> Only one experiment has tracked moth trajectories to lights over long distances, and found only 2 of 50 individuals released ended their flight at a light source 85m away. This and our results suggest artificial lights may only trap passing insects rather than attract them directly from farther away.
(Also: If "death by attraction to artifical light" were a significant factor affecting insect survival, then this evolutionary pressure would certainly cause a rapid change. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppered_moth_evolution https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppered_moth_evolution.)
- Qem 3y agoThat's 4% death rate over a single lamp. Does every lamp they get 85m from have a similar kill probability? The "only one experiment" is also unfortunate. That should be investigated more.
- mkl 3y agoArrival != death.
- aziaziazi 3y agoIt’s still a huge proportion if you understand the “expertement” is reconduction every night and in a lot of places on the globe. Arrival may not be a certain death while it is probably not a good advantage for the insect to round flying around the same stop for a night (at least)