A simple method to estimate the three‐dimensional flight trajectories of nocturnal luminescent insects

Abstract

We propose a simple method of measuring the three‐dimensional flight trajectories of nocturnal insects using their luminescence intensity. This method is based on the well‐known inverse square law: intensity of light radiating from a point source is inversely proportional to the squared distance from the source. First, we tested a proof‐of‐principle in the laboratory using a light‐emitting diode of known intensity. Then we applied the method to nocturnal luminescent fireflies, Luciola cruciata (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), adjacent to a Japanese stream.