Environmental entomology

Artificial Light Increases Nearby Predators, Their Hunting, and Plant Eating

Updated

Abstract

Overall arthropod abundance was 159% higher under artificial light at night compared to unlit controls.

  • Positive phototaxis was observed in 10 orders of arthropods, leading to increased movement towards light.
  • The arthropod community under artificial light was more diverse and included a higher proportion of predaceous arthropods (15% compared to 8%).
  • Predation of immobilized flies was 3.6 times faster under artificial light than in daylight conditions.
  • Herbivory increased by 6% under artificial light, contrary to expectations.

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