Why are moths and other flying night creepy-crawlies drawn to the light?

Question

Should they not prefer the darkness for which they were intended?

Answer 1

Before the exinstance of artificial light everywhere moths would use the sun and moon to navigate it was like a giant compass. But now their is lights everywhere,so they fly up and are soon confused so they circle the light and somtimes get fryed on it.

Answer 2

hi

it is a common misconception...

moths etc. are drawn to the darkness behind the light  which is not always to see

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in my opinion why you see them near the light source is because the heat is too much and therefore fly around looking for darkness

hope this helps

Answer 3

I believe that scientists don't really know, but they think it has something to do with the insects need to navigate by moonlight.  And, since the moon is bright, especially when it's full, the insects are naturally drawn to lights, thinking the light is the moon.

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Answer 4

They use moon light to navigate. they don't see objects they just sense the bright light in one direction and fly towards it. Which is why they always end up at your window or at streetlights. When it is light all around though they believe it is daytime and go to sleep.

Answer 5

Its something to do with them using the moon for direction but since humans have invented street lights etc the moths get confused and fly towards this light, even if it ends up frying them.