Do moths actually fly into candle flames for the light?

Question

I've heard that from somewhere. Is it really true?

No dumb answers please.

Answer 1

The answer is quite widely misunderstood.

Moths are nocturnal. Their brains aren't so big, but there is an instinct present in them used for location. When they're flying at night, they will keep the moon in one eye, in the same spot. The purpose is to fly in a straight line. To travel back, they just put it in the other eye, in the same spot.

When people happen to have a candle burning outside, the moths get quite confused. They see the moon, but also see the brighter light. They try the same trick with the candle, keep it in one spot of their eye, spiral into it, and burn. It's not that they're stupid, we just like to s***w with nature. Food for thought.

Answer 2

YES

Answer 3

It's called "phototropism," or attraction to light.  Many insects do the same thing.  Ever notice how bugs will swarm around porch lights or streetlights after dark?

Lilith Madleh

Answer 4

Yes they are attracted to the bright lights,they also fly around/on lightbulbs etc

Answer 5

yes... there's even a story going on around about it... oh c**p.. the guy before me already posted it.. one of story by Jose Rizal..

anyways, the moral of the story was something like learn to follow what elders tell you or something :P

Answer 6

search for 'rizal' in the internet.  Rizal is philippines' national hero.  in one of his memoirs, he wrote the story of "the little moth" who, fascinated by the warmth of candlelight, drew near it, against the advice of his 'mother moth.'

after you have read the story and rizal's life, you will understand what the story of "the little moth" is all about.