Here's why insects are attracted to lights

According to a new study, the behaviour is due to insects becoming confused over which way is ‘up’.

Brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) orbits a UV actinic tube light inside the motion capture flight arena at Imperial College London. Researchers may have solved the mystery of why flying insects are attracted to lights at night, appearing to move strangely around the source. A new study suggests the behaviour is due to insects mistaking the light for the direction of "up". Picture: Thomas Angus/Imperial College London/PA Wire

Researchers may have solved the mystery of why flying insects are attracted to lights at night, appearing to move strangely around the source.

A new study suggests the behaviour is due to insects mistaking the light for the direction of 'up'.