2006-12-13 16:00:38 · 6 answers · asked by lynnsue46 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
One theory suggests that moths are attracted to light because of their migratory nature. Moths regularly travel long distances guided by starlight and the moon. Hence, a light bulb may act as a proxy moon (source:http://www.howstuffworks.com/question675.htm)
Many insects use the angle of the suns rays for navigation
because the suns rays are coming from so far away the angle will always remain essentially the same however, when a source such as a light bulb is emitting light (especially at night) the insects now orient to the angle of the rays from that light bulb
because a light build is so small the angle of the rays from the bulb changes as the insect flies around it, thus causing the homing behavior that many insects exhibit towards lightbulbs
Many insects are attracted to light due to a navigational accident. To fly north, an insect keeps the rising moon of its right shoulder. Trying to keep a porch light continually off your right shoulder results in pandemonium. Insects actually veer away from the light source at the last minute. To the insect, the area just outside of the light appears darker. Nocturnal insects head towards the dark patch, which is always just around the light, hence the confusion.
However, most entomologists have not made up their minds about this question.Some believe in moon/sunlight hypothesis while others believe in this "dark patch" hypothesis.
2006-12-13 16:19:40 · answer #1 · answered by Albertan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe some one is actually asking this question! Most insects are unable to see anything but light. They go mainly by smell and heat. The more moisture there is, the more insects you will find. When there are bright lights, where it is the brightest is where you will find the most.
2006-12-14 00:51:14 · answer #2 · answered by no.#1 Mom 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because light gives them direction to flight. (They usually fly around the light if you observe carefully)
2006-12-14 00:05:07 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. Zoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a phenomenon called phototaxis and it is simply a natural response to the environment.
2006-12-14 00:05:14 · answer #4 · answered by tomaso4 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of this then believe as they find a mate.
2006-12-14 00:10:55 · answer #5 · answered by Mircea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they are amaze w/ the lights and maybe they were cold so they need to be hot!!!!!!!
2006-12-14 00:08:55 · answer #6 · answered by victoria 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋