Light-Driven Behaviors in Insects: Photo taxis and Photo Tactic-Based Strategies for Pest Management; A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Various night-active insects show they are naturally attracted to artificial lights. Light traps are essential physical pest management instruments since scientists currently employ them to monitor insect pest numbers and implement population control measures. Light traps are crucial in integrated pest management (IPM) because they attract specific insect pests. The photo tactic activities of insects depend on their species, ambient light properties, and the overall health of the insects. Light produces multiple biological effects on insects, from biochemical to physiological, molecular and fitness effects. The study investigates photo taxis concepts of insects alongside crucial variables that affect their responses to light and the respective parallel wavelengths, as well as strategies to conserve beneficial insects during effective insect capture. Research data presents information regarding wavelength sensitivity that causes positive photo tactic responses in more than 70 species between insect pests and beneficial insects. Deploying contemporary light traps equipped with LEDs as light sources would increase physical pest control effectiveness for integrated pest management (IPM).