Why do insects wander around light source like bulb, LED CFL etc?

1. Why do insects wander around light source like bulb, LED CFL etc?

Insects are attracted to light sources because they use natural light cues, such as the moon and stars, for navigation. Artificial lights confuse them, leading them to circle around and sometimes even fly into the light source. This behavior is known as phototaxis.

Not every artificial light confuses insects, but certain types of lights, such as bright white lights or ultraviolet lights, can disrupt their navigation patterns. These lights can be particularly attractive to insects, causing them to become disoriented and circle around the light source.


Around light sources, insects often exhibit behaviors such as circling or flying towards the light. Some may also rest or gather near the light source, especially if it emits warmth. This behavior can vary depending on the species of insect and the specific characteristics of the light source.

Insects use natural light sources such as the sun, moon, and stars for navigation through a process called celestial navigation. They can detect the polarization patterns of sunlight and use this information to determine their orientation relative to the sun, even on cloudy days. At night, they use the moon and stars as reference points to maintain their direction of flight. This ability allows them to navigate over long distances during migration or foraging activities.

Internal structure of insects and location of Ocelli


In dark nights when the moon is not visible, insects may rely more heavily on other celestial cues such as star patterns or the polarization of light to navigate. Some insects, like moths, are also able to navigate using landmarks or other environmental cues. Additionally, they might adjust their behavior to fly closer to the ground where they can detect subtle differences in temperature and humidity, which can serve as navigational cues.


The organ responsible for detecting light and facilitating navigation in insects is called the ocelli. Ocelli are simple eyes found on the head of many insects, typically arranged in a triangular pattern. While they are not as complex as the compound eyes found in insects, ocelli are sensitive to changes in light intensity and polarization, allowing insects to perceive the direction and intensity of light sources. This information helps insects orient themselves and navigate through their environment.

But every insect does not has ocelli. Ocelli are found primarily in flying insects such as bees, wasps, flies, and certain types of beetles. However, many other insects, particularly those that are active during the day and rely heavily on visual cues for navigation, possess ocelli. Insects that are active primarily at night or in dark environments may rely more on other sensory organs or mechanisms for navigation.

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