Light pollution reduces the number of insects

Scientists have found that areas with a sharp decline in the number of winged insects also have high levels.

, and changing the way that land is used are the factors that cause the decline of insect populations in Germany. However, scientists have found that areas with a sharp decline in the number of winged insects also have high levels of light pollution. Artificial light at night is considered to have a negative impact on insects, and scientists should pay more attention to this factor when looking for the cause of insect decline in the future.

Flying insect biomass has dropped by more than 75% - an alarming number. The study, published in 2017, concludes that climate and habitat changes are a major factor in the decline in insect populations. At the same time, they point out that these impacts are not enough to explain the dramatic decline in the number of insects.

Artificial light prevents insects from flying away, causing a lack of genetic exchange in insect populations.

Artificial light disturbs the balance of the ecosystem. Artificial light at night strongly affects the number of insects and insect communities in areas in urban areas with higher levels of light pollution.

Insects often depend on the darkness and natural light from the moon and stars to navigate and move or to escape predators, and to perform their nightly duties in the search for consciousness. eat and regenerate biology.

Artificial light at night disrupts this natural behavior - and has a negative impact on insect survival opportunities. Scientists have analyzed all the recent studies on the effects of night-time artificial light on insects, and found that there is clear evidence to show a reliable relationship between light pollution and decline in insect populations. For example, flying insects are attracted to artificial light, they may die or burn out by this light.

In addition, artificial light prevents insects from flying away; causing a lack of genetic exchange in insect populations, making these populations fragmented and can reduce insect resistance to other negative environmental impacts, in particular clearly in agricultural areas.

The decline of insect populations in agricultural areas - accounting for no less than 11% of the world's land area - not only means species degradation but also dangerous ecosystems. The most obvious example is about beetles and flies, which are responsible for pollinating plants.

In addition, changes in the appearance and behavior of pests such as aphids or their enemies such as beetles and spiders can disturb the balance of the ecosystem. Moreover, artificial light at night can also have a direct impact on the growth and timing of flowering of plants, and thus affect productivity.

'The review study shows that artificial light at night is very common and can have many impacts in agricultural areas, with unexplained consequences for biodiversity and crop production. . In general light pollution is considered a potential disturbance of ecosystems in future studies to determine possible ways to reduce environmental concerns' , Dr. Franz Hoelker , Head of the study on light and ecology pollution at the IGB summarized.