MadSci Network: Zoology |
Actually most insects see better in UV and are thus generally attracted to short wave lengths toward that end of the spectrum. Insects do not see in the red end of the spectrum. Roughly insects are sensitive to 2500-6000 Angstroms, with humans sensitive to 4500-7000 Angstroms. Thus if you place a lamp with a UV bulb outside you will attract more insects than with a normal incandescent bulb. This tendency is used by insect collectors to trap many insects. Some insects, however, do not seem to be attracted to UV light, either because they are not active at night or for some other reason. References: Berenbaum, May R. 1995. Bugs in the system. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co., Reading, MA. Borror, D. J., C. A. Triplehorn, and N. F. Johnson. 1989. An introduction to the study of insects. 6th ed. Saunders Pub. Co., Philadelphia, PA. There are also many other references in the literature to specific physiological studies on insect visual range. I do not know if there are many studies on differential attraction of insects to UV.
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