Skyglow-Induced Luminance Gradients Influence Orientation in a Migratory Moth.

ABSTRACT: Artificial light at night (ALAN) is altering nocturnal ecosystems. While the effects of direct light sources on insect behavior are well studied, the influence of large-scale skyglow on migratory orientation remains unclear. Here, we tested how skyglow-induced luminance gradients influence the flight orientation of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a globally invasive nocturnal migrant that performs seasonal migration in China, using controlled indoor simulations and field assays. Surprisingly, individuals consistently oriented toward darker regions, suggesting that luminance gradients may influence their heading away from the expected seasonal migratory direction. This response was highly consistent across both settings, indicating that skyglow-generated luminance gradients

SUBMITTER: Ji Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12734188 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature