Bugs Night Out

Last night, we went to a presentation at King’s Gap State Park focused on nocturnal bugs. The first segment offered information and urged us not to fear bugs, as they are mostly harmless. After a brief break, we ventured outside where the presenter, Ryan The Bug Man, had set up bright lights and UV lights with sheets to help us observe the bugs attracted by the lights.

At the lights, we witnessed what I found to be astonishing and exotic creatures native to our area. Many beetles, some hornets, a walking stick, cicadas, katydids, and various moths settled on the sheets and occasionally on us.

We rarely think of streetlights as insect traps and consider how many insects are drawn to them. My understanding of why insects are attracted to light comes from recent studies. Researchers identified photoreceptors and an autonomous system that uses the night sky for level flight navigation. When insects encounter artificial light, their navigation system directs them to fly towards and circle it. They continue until they are exhausted or land with wings trembling. They can't leave because they can't override their flight system.

Using lights to collect and examine bugs is quite enjoyable. However, all-night lights, like streetlights and some commercial and residential lights, have multiple effects. They not only capture insects and disrupt mating flights but also disrupt the nocturnal food web by drawing insects away. While we sleep, we can turn off our outdoor lights to let these amazing creatures behave naturally and fulfill their role in the ecosystem.