Why are bees attracted to porch lights at night?
Bees are attracted to porch lights at night because they demonstrate positive phototactic behavior. They are naturally attracted to light, like many other organisms. Other insects that are positively phototactic include moths and butterflies, while other insects, such as cockroaches, are negatively phototactic and are repelled by light.PhototaxisMany organisms are either negatively or positively phototactic. Phototaxis refers to an organism’s response to light. If an organism is positively phototactic, it is drawn to and attracted by light. If it is negatively phototactic, it is repelled by light and often seeks dark areas. Bees are positively phototactic, which is why they are attracted to porch lights at night.InterruptionAfter feeding, bees demonstrate positive phototactic behavior on their way back to their hive. Bees typically return to their hives by nightfall. The presence of porch lights near their hive, however, can trigger that positive phototactic response and interrupt thei
