Pollination by nocturnal Lepidoptera, and the effects of light pollution: a review

Macgregor, Callum J.; Pocock, Michael J.O.; Fox, Richard; Evans, Darren M.. 2015 Pollination by nocturnal Lepidoptera, and the effects of light pollution: a review. Ecological Entomology, 40 (3). 187-198. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.12174

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Abstract/Summary

1. Moths (Lepidoptera) are the major nocturnal pollinators of flowers. However, their importance and contribution to the provision of pollination ecosystem services may have been under-appreciated. Evidence was identified that moths are important pollinators of a diverse range of plant species in diverse ecosystems across the world. 2. Moth populations are known to be undergoing significant declines in several European countries. Among the potential drivers of this decline is increasing light pollution. The known and possible effects of artificial night lighting upon moths were reviewed, and suggest how artificial night lighting might in turn affect the provision of pollination by moths. The need for studies of the effects of artificial night lighting upon whole communities of moths was highlighted. 3. An ecological network approach is one valuable method to consider the effects of artificial night lighting upon the provision of pollination by moths, as it provides useful insights into ecosystem functioning and stability, and may help elucidate the indirect effects of artificial light upon communities of moths and the plants they pollinate. 4. It was concluded that nocturnal pollination is an ecosystem process that may potentially be disrupted by increasing light pollution, although the nature of this disruption remains to be tested.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1111/een.12174
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Pywell
ISSN:	0307-6946
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link
Additional Keywords:	agro-ecosystems, artificial night lighting, ecological networks, ecosystem services, flowering plants, food-webs, moths, population declines
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Zoology
Date made live:	16 Dec 2014 12:05 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/509096

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