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Spectral composition of light sources and insect phototaxis, with an evaluation of existing spectral response models

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Abstract

Artificial illumination attracts insects, but to what extent light attracts insects, depends on the spectral composition of the light. Response models have been developed to predict the attractiveness of artificial light sources. In this study we compared attraction of insects by existing light sources used for streetlights as well as newly developed environment friendly alternatives, and used this data to test the predictive ability of the existing response models. Light sources differed in overall attractiveness to insects and relative attractiveness was dependent on insect order. The attraction patterns predicted by the two models correlated weakly with the number of insects attracted when the only light source rich in UV, a mercury vapour light, was included in the tested spectra. When the mercury vapour light, which is going to be banned in Europe, was not included in the test no correlation was found between predicted and observed attraction patterns. We conclude that currently existing attraction response models are insufficiently sensitive to evaluate new light sources.

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Acknowledgments

We thank G. Biewenga and J. Zonderland of Nij Bosma Zathe for their assistance. Dr. R. Kats and Drs. E. Drent are acknowledged for their helpful support. This project is funded by NWO-STW Grant 11110, Philips Lighting and the Dutch Oil Company (Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nature Conservation and Plant Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, PO box47, 6700AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Roy H. A. van Grunsven, K. G. van Geffen, F. Berendse & E. M. Veenendaal

  2. Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Droevendaalsesteeg 10, PO Box 50, 6700AB, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Roy H. A. van Grunsven

  3. Philips Research, High Tech Campus 34, 5656 AE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

    M. Donners

  4. Van Hall Larenstein, Agora 1, PO Box 1528, 8901 BV, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands

    K. Boekee & I. Tichelaar

  5. Dutch Butterfly Conservation, PO Box 506, 6700 AM, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    D. Groenendijk

Authors
  1. Roy H. A. van Grunsven
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  2. M. Donners
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  3. K. Boekee
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  4. I. Tichelaar
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  5. K. G. van Geffen
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  6. D. Groenendijk
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  7. F. Berendse
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  8. E. M. Veenendaal
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Correspondence to Roy H. A. van Grunsven.

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van Grunsven, R.H.A., Donners, M., Boekee, K. et al. Spectral composition of light sources and insect phototaxis, with an evaluation of existing spectral response models. J Insect Conserv 18, 225–231 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-014-9633-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-014-9633-9

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