Why Do Flies Go to Light?
WouterFlies go to light to see, so it makes sense that they would also want to see the world around them. However, they can’t actually see the light. Instead, they can only see it through the dark. And despite the fact that we don’t see a lot of light, it can still cause damage to our eyes. Blue light, or light with a high blue component, can damage the retina and the brain, which can lead to vision problems.
Many insects and animals are drawn to the light, including moths and flies. Even animals that prey on insects may hang out near a light looking for insects. But the effects of artificial light on certain species are not yet fully understood. Fireflies, for example, are thought to have trouble distinguishing between natural and artificial light.
Although flies are active during the day, they become inactive at night. This is because they are cold-blooded and cannot function properly at low temperatures. Even freezing temperatures slow down the functions of the flies’ bodies, so they seek refuge at night. Flies will sleep on a window sill, under a leaf, on a tree trunk, or in tall grass. However, they will not sleep on the ground.
Another popular theory is that insects are attracted to light because it tells them there are no predators nearby. They also rely on light to judge direction. To judge the direction of their flight, insects must be near a source of natural light. However, this light must be consistent and at a distance from the insect. If the light is too distant or too dim, insects might confuse it and fly around in circles.
