Current evidence in support of insect-friendly lighting practices

Owens, Avalon C.S.; Pocock, Michael J.O. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4375-0445; Seymoure, Brett M.. 2024 Current evidence in support of insect-friendly lighting practices. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 101276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2024.101276

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2024.101276

Abstract/Summary

Anthropogenic light pollution is an emerging threat to natural ecosystems with myriad effects on insects in particular. Insect conservationists are increasingly interested in mitigating this driver of insect declines via sustainable lighting practices. Current recommendations often follow the five principles for responsible outdoor lighting developed by DarkSky International, a non-profit organization founded by astronomers. While these principles unquestionably increase star visibility, their ecological costs and benefits remain relatively unexplored. Herein we review recent research into the effects of each principle on insect fitness broadly defined. Most studies test the efficacy of spectral tuning, followed by dimming, although both mitigation methods seem generally ineffective in practice. In contrast, both shielding and motion detectors show promise as mitigation methods but remain remarkably understudied. Nonetheless, a preponderance of evidence now demonstrates that removing unnecessary light sources from natural habitats can reverse their varied impacts on diverse insect taxa and greatly benefit insect conservation.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2024.101276
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	2214-5745
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	artificial light at night, light pollution, insect conservation, flight-to-light behavior, spectral tuning
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	07 Oct 2024 10:47 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/538171

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2024.101276

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)

ISSN:

2214-5745

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

Additional Keywords:

artificial light at night, light pollution, insect conservation, flight-to-light behavior, spectral tuning