Why do bugs fly toward light?

Answer 1

An insect flying north, for example, could judge its direction by keeping a natural source of light such as the sun or moon on its right side. This method works well as long as the source of light remains constant and at a distance. If an insect encounters a round incandescent porch light, however, it becomes confused by the light source. It will continue to circle a light because it instinctively wants to keep the light on a certain side of its body while navigating.

For Kids:

They can find their way. The light Looks like the moon of sun. The bug becomes confused by the light. It will go around the light because the want to keep the light on a side of their body while searching around it.

Answer 2

I was asking this question too, and found this answer posted at:

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen99/gen99111.htm

I copied it below for anyone else wondering.

"The following is from "It's Raining Frogs and Fishes" by Jerry Dennis.

"There seems little reason a moth should be distracted from its

business of sipping nectar and avoiding predators by something as

dangerous as an artificial light. Yet, porch lamps and streetlights

are irresistible beacons to moths. Moths circle the light as if mes-

merized, in frenzied, dizzy orbits. Once caught in their blind orbits,

moths become easy prey for bats and nighthawks, or they batter

themselves to death, or singe their wings to uselessness on hot

surfaces, or die of exhaustion. And nobody knows why."

Although nobody knows why, here are a couple of theories (also from

the abovementioned book):

Moths may be naturally attracted to a bright moon, causing them

to fly higher and helping to disperse the species over a wider range.

If this is the case, then moths may be mistaking artificial lights for

the moon.

Another similar idea is that moths navigate by the moon or the

stars. Thus a moth trying to go in a straight line could do so

by keeping the moon always to the same side. This navigation method

would fail for artificial lights, possibly causing the moths to

endlessly circle the light source.

-Grant"

Hope this helps!

~Brooke

Answer 3

They fly towards the because they like light and think its the sun

Answer 4

You would know because insects have a special sight that they can be attracted to the light , unlike us we see more in the daytime then better at night .

Answer 5

becoz of its photo affinity

Answer 6

Because they need warmth