Artificial light at night increases brain control over caterpillars in a forest without prior light exposure

Predation rates on clay caterpillars were significantly higher in illuminated plots compared to control plots.

• Moderate levels of artificial light at night (10-15 lux) may increase predation on caterpillars by arthropod predators.
• The abundance of arthropod predators and parasitoids was significantly greater in plots exposed to artificial light.
• Increased predator presence near light sources could be associated with the observed rise in predation rates.
• The impact of artificial light at night on larval arthropod stages, such as caterpillars, is not well understood.

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