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In prehistoric times, people asked why winged insects were attracted by fire. A saying describes this attraction as being, "like a moth to a flame". A recent study suggests insects do not head towards light because they like it. They are drawn to light because it guides their flight. Artificial light disorients nocturnal bugs like moths, often to fatal ends. The study said all our beliefs about why insects fly toward light "might have been wrong".
The scientists looked at insects flying around artificial lights in a rainforest. Insects usually use the moon to fly in straight lines. However, the artificial lights confused the bugs. They continuously flew around the lights in an erratic manner. Many insects fly to their deaths after being attracted by bug zappers. Artificial light also damages insects' abilities to find a mate, forage for food, and defend itself against predators.
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