In prehistoric times, our ancestors questioned why winged insects were attracted by fire. An old saying describes this attraction as being, "like a moth to a flame". A recent study dispels the notion that insects head towards light because they like it. Biologists have reported that insects are drawn to light because it guides them when flying. The scientists said artificial light disorients nocturnal bugs like moths, often to fatal ends. The co-author of the study said all our beliefs about why insects fly toward light "might have been wrong".

The scientists did research in a Costa Rican rainforest. They observed insects flying around artificial lights. Insects usually use the moon to fly in straight lines. However, around the artificial lights, the bugs became confused and flew in arcs. An entomologist said: "Natural sky light…helps maintain proper flight….Artificial sources…can produce continuous steering around the light and trap an insect." This explains why so many insects fly to their death into bug zappers. Artificial light damages insects' abilities to find a mate, forage for food, and defend itself against predators.