this post was submitted on 15 Feb 2024
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41
breaking news: light pollution sends bugs to hell (www.nature.com)
submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by ThisIsAManWhoKnowsHowToGling@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/science@hexbear.net
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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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[–] Ithorian@hexbear.net 14 points 9 months ago

I found out about how bad outdoor lights are for bugs about a year ago. I try to only have my outside lights on when I'm actively using them. Strongly recommended every one who can to do the same.

[–] InevitableSwing@hexbear.net 12 points 9 months ago

The bugs think they are going in a straight line, forever, and they never get to where they are going.

I wish voters knew this.

[–] Dirt_Owl@hexbear.net 10 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

quagsire-pog We finally figured it out?!

desolate God damn it we keep fucking up the ecosystem. How are we going to convince people not to use outdoor lights?!