Why do flies fly in circles underneath my ceiling light?

Question

Addition: They do it with the light off during the day as well.

Answer 1

Because they're attracted 2 the light so they keep flying around it cos they wanna get to it or sumthing?

Answer 2

they think its perdy

Answer 3

Actually, no one really knows for sure, but here are some interesting explanations:

"One theory suggests that moths are attracted to light because of their migratory nature. Flies regularly travel long distances guided by starlight and the moon. Hence, a light bulb may act as a proxy moon.

USA Today seconds this argument, claiming that flies aren't attracted to light so much as confused by a navigational accident. To fly north, a flies keeps the rising moon off its right shoulder. Trying to keep a porch light continually off your right shoulder results in pandemonium.

Other sources disagree with the moon hypothesis and note that flies actually veer away from the light source at the last minute. To the flies, the area just outside of the light appears darker. Flies, being nocturnal, head towards the dark patch, which is always just around the light, hence the confusion.

Finally, the BBC, in a very genial British way, notes that the issue remains unresolved and presents both hypotheses. We're with the BBC."

Answer 4

If they flew in a straight line they would fly into the wall.

Answer 5

That happens to me too!

It's bizarre!

Answer 6

Insects that fly at night , keep a straight course by keeping a star in a steady angle . Because the star in billions of miles away , the course the fly takes will be straight .

When the "star " is an electric light , by keeping it at a steady angel causes the fly to circle . The fly doesn't know that it's circling .Artificial lights have no place in nature .

Answer 7

Light attracts the flies and other insects.

Answer 8

they like light ...

Answer 9

there GPS is not working!!!..obviously.