Investigation of sex-based differences in responses to artificial light of the greater waxmoth (Galleria mellonella)

Sammanfattning: Artificial light at night (ALAN) is becoming a greater threat to nocturnal species. Aside from the overall increase in light output, replacing outdated monochromatic street lighting with light-emitting diode (LED) lights with a broad emission spectrum could raise this issue more. However, studies evaluating the effect of artificial lights on nocturnal species, such as moths, are scarce. This study examines any variations in moth attraction as well as any other sex-based behavioural differences (mating behaviour – wing fanning, trajectory-circular movement, overall movement time) between male and female moths in the presence of warm-white light. This study used warm-white light LED (2718 K) and Galleria mellonella moth, reared in the lab and completed the experiment under standardised conditions in an enclosed setting. I found the male moths (100%)  were significantly (p = 0.024) attracted to warm-white light LED compare to female moths (37%). While other behaviours such as wing fanning, circular movement, overall moving time, and favoured light illuminance for rest weren't significantly different (p > 0.05). In the future, it will be important to investigate the effects of warm-white light LED with different lower CCT (< 2718K) on moths, as well as the sex differences in their behaviour both in a controlled and an open environment. This will help authorities to decide on outdoor lighting systems in different countries and continents.