Summary
Mayfly massacres occur on bridges around the world every summer. Warm weather causes these aquatic insects to act as short-lived adults who are lured to early deaths by artificial lighting on bridges. Mayflies are not alone in their deadly attraction for what researchers call ALAN: artificial light at night. Studies from around the world have worrisome effects on insect mating and abundance, and could contribute to the “insect apocalypse,” according to a recent special issue of Insect Conservation and Diversity. As soon as they sound the alarm, some scientists point to simple solutions. Dimming or changing the color of the lights can help, but the solutions vary by type.
