how many species of moth in the uk
Moth
Moths frequently appear to circle artificial lights , although the reason for this behavior remains unknown . One hypothesis to explain this behavior is that moths use a technique of celestial navigation called transverse orientation . By maintaining a constant angular relationship to a bright celestial light , such as the moon , they can fly in a straight line . Celestial objects are so far away that , even after travelling great distances , the change in angle between the moth and the light source is negligible ; further , the moon will always be in the upper part of the visual field , or on the horizon . When a moth encounters a much closer artificial light and uses it for navigation , the angle changes noticeably after only a short distance , in addition to being often below the horizon . The moth instinctively attempts to correct by turning toward the light , thereby causing airborne moths to come plummeting downward , and resulting in a spiral flight path that gets closer and closer to the light source .
Moths frequently appear to circle artificial lights , although the reason for this behavior remains unknown . One hypothesis to explain this behavior is that moths use a technique of celestial navigation called transverse orientation . By maintaining a constant angular relationship to a bright celestial light , such as the moon , they can fly in a straight line . Celestial objects are so far away that , even after travelling great distances , the change in angle between the moth and the light source is negligible ; further , the moon will always be in the upper part of the visual field , or on the horizon . When a moth encounters a much closer artificial light and uses it for navigation , the angle changes noticeably after only a short distance , in addition to being often below the horizon . The moth instinctively attempts to correct by turning toward the light , thereby causing airborne moths to come plummeting downward , and resulting in a spiral flight path that gets closer and closer to the light source .