Beetles Collected in Light-Traps During the North American Total Solar Eclipse of 21 August 2017 with a Review of Arthropod Behavior During Solar Eclipses

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Insect behavior during solar eclipses has been the subject of numerous observations and studies. A total solar eclipse that passed through Clemson, South Carolina, USA, during 21 August 2017 offered a rare opportunity to test for beetle flight activity during the short-lived daytime-darkness. Ultraviolet light traps were run during three periods: 1) during the eclipse; 2) again the next day (22 August) at the same time; and 3) later in the evening the day after the eclipse. Forty-nine specimens within 16 species and eight families of Coleoptera were collected. The number of specimens collected was not significantly different between the eclipse and the next day, indicating the eclipse had no effect on beetle flight activity. A list is provided of all published studies and notes that could be found on insect behavior during solar eclipses.