Artificial Light at Night Affects Larval Growth Without Altering Survival or Pupation in Spongy Moth (<i>Lymantria dispar dispar</i>).

ABSTRACT: Artificial light at night (ALAN) can disrupt circadian rhythms in nocturnal insects, but its effects on immature stages remain understudied. However, this knowledge is crucial, as a change in the development of insects can have ecological and economic consequences. For example, the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar), native to Europe and Asia, has become an invasive species in North America, causing extensive defoliation of trees in forests and urban landscapes. Therefore, we investigated how LED light color influences larval development and pupation in the spongy moth. Larvae were reared under three light conditions simulating outdoor lighting: (1) neutral white LED (3700 K), (2) amber LED (2200 K), and (3) a dark control (no light). Results showed no significant differences in

SUBMITTER: van Koppenhagen N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12517357 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature