A REVIEW INFLUENCE OF LIGHT ON INSECT ACTIVITY AND BEHAVIOUR: SUSTAINABLE LIGHTING AND LIGHT POLLUTION

This paper reviews the influence of artificial light at night on insect activity and behaviour reported around the world with a focus on Malaysian insects. Insects, whether diurnal or nocturnal are the most diverse organisms on the planet and they play an important role in balancing the local ecosystems. However, their activities might be affected by light pollution, which inadvertently disrupts the natural order. This review found that insects were influenced by light in terms of photoperiod, direction, and mating. However, natural light such as sunlight and moonlight does not have any negative effect on insects while light pollution was found to be a major factor in altering insect activity and behaviour. Despite Malaysia being a megadiverse country with a huge variety of insect biota, not many studies have investigated the effects of light on insects. More studies are needed to investigate the consequences of light pollution, specifically on insect diversity in Malaysia.