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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Paul Hetherington

Dark side of bright nights taking toll on forgotten invertebrates

Residential properties illuminated at night
Even the smallest of artificial lights can disrupt natural behaviour. Photograph: Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images/Bloomberg

When we think about invertebrates, most of us picture bees, butterflies, worms, crabs or perhaps even a jellyfish. But did you know that at least two-thirds of invertebrates are active at night, meaning many are unlikely to be seen? Invertebrates carry out many of the same functions as their daytime counterparts, in some cases doing so with greater efficiency and variety.

For centuries, artificial light has been a symbol of progress. From the flickering flames of early fires to the dazzling LED displays of modern cities, light has shaped human civilisation. But while we celebrate its convenience, we often overlook the darker side of our obsession with illumination: light pollution.

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