Why Moths Are So Obsessed With Light (It’s Not What You Think)

Discover the shocking truth behind the myth: moths aren’t obsessed with light—they’re tragically trapped by it due to ancient navigation instincts clashing with modern lighting. This isn’t attraction; it’s a deadly evolutionary mismatch causing moths to spiral disoriented until exhaustion, a silent crisis accelerated by streetlights and porch bulbs. Forget the “love of light” fairy tale—scientists confirm this is accidental self-destruction on a massive scale, decimating populations worldwide. Uncover why Doug Boyes and leading entomologists call this the urgent, misunderstood story of insect-light pollution we’ve ignored for centuries.

Moths evolved celestial navigation, using distant moonlight to fly straight by maintaining a constant angle—a perfect system until artificial lights flooded ecosystems. Unlike the moon, nearby bulbs create an impossible navigation loop, forcing moths into fatal spirals as they desperately try to correct their path. This critical light pollution impact contributes significantly to global insect decline, disrupting pollination and food chains. Learn how understanding this navigational trap is key to conservation and simple solutions like warmer-colored outdoor lighting that could save countless moths overnight.