Artificial light at night inhibits mating in a Geometrid moth

Abstract

1. Levels of artificial night lighting are increasing rapidly worldwide, subjecting nocturnal organisms to a major change in their environment. Many moth species are strongly attracted to sources of artificial night lighting, with potentially severe, yet poorly studied, consequences for development, reproduction and inter/intra-specific interactions.2. Here, we present results of a field-based experiment where we tested effects of various types of artificial lighting on mating in the winter moth (Operophtera brumata, Lepidoptera: Geometridae). We illuminated trunks of oak trees with green, white, red or no artificial LED light at night, and caught female O. brumata on these trunks using funnel traps. The females were dissected to check for the presence of a spermatophore, a sperm package that is delivered by males to females during mating.3. We found a strong reduction in the number of females on the illuminated trunks, indicating artificial light inhibition of activity. Furthermore, artificial light inhibited mating: 53% of females caught on non-illuminated trunks had mated, whereas only 13%, 16% and 28% of the females that were caught on green, white and red light illuminated trunks had mated respectively. 4. A second experiment showed that artificial night lighting reduced the number of males that were attracted to a synthetic O. brumata pheromone lure. This effect was strongest under red light and mildest under green light.5. This study provides, for the first time, field-based evidence that artificial night lighting disrupts reproductive behaviour of moths, and that reducing short wavelength radiation only partly mitigates these negative effects.

Advances in insect phototaxis and application to pest management: a review

“…Orange (600 nm) light was detrimental to courtship, mating behavior and reproduction in B. odoriphaga , whereas blue (455 nm) light showed the opposite effect to 600 nm light . Mating of the winter moth ( Operophtera brumata ) can be inhibited by artificial light, especially red and green light …”

Stressful colours: corticosterone concentrations in a free-living songbird vary with the spectral composition of experimental illumination

“…However, light pollution is an overlooked disruptor of natural habitats that also perturbs individual physiological processes that rely on precise light information [2]. Artificial illumination at night impacts animal populations by disrupting orientation [3], reproduction [4], and by changing predation and competition pressures [5]. The repercussions of these behavioural and physiological changes in natural systems remain largely unknown and constitute a new and relevant focus for ecological research [6].…”

Transcriptome analysis of molecular mechanisms responsible for light-stress response in Mythimna separata (Walker)

“…In view of this phenomenon, several kinds of light traps have been used to monitor or reduce the populations of nocturnal insects, particularly noctuid moths1926. Artificial light can alter the habitat of nocturnal insects and disturb their normal behaviours, including flight, orientation, dispersal, migration, communication, foraging, mate recognition, oviposition, eclosion, and daily activity rhythms22232425, as well as affecting reproduction and populations of nocturnal insects by altering the night-time environment2728. As for other environmental factors, insects respond to artificial night-time light with an array of behaviours, and biochemical and genetic changes232729.…”