Optimised light sources reduce nocturnal insect attraction at railway stations

Résumé fourni par la source

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is considered a potential anthropogenic stressor for global insect decline by disrupting natural behaviour in affected populations. We compared the attraction of flying insects to three types of outdoor light sources, including unlit controls, at railway platforms under real world conditions. Insect abundance, biomass, and species richness were quantified using AI-based image analysis and DNA metabarcoding. Amber light-emitting diode (LED) lights (1800 K) with low blue light content attracted significantly fewer individuals and species, as well as threatened and legally protected taxa than conventional cool white LEDs (4000 K) and high-pressure sodium lights (2000 K). Our results indicate that insect attraction by outdoor lighting and possible population declines can be reduced through optimised light sources. We therefore propose the implementation of amber LEDs (1800 K) in sustainable infrastructure development and future mitigation strategies.

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