Pollination by nocturnal Lepidoptera, and the effects of light pollution: a review.

ABSTRACT: 1. Moths (Lepidoptera) are the major nocturnal pollinators of flowers. However, their importance and contribution to the provision of pollination ecosystem services may have been under-appreciated. Evidence was identified that moths are important pollinators of a diverse range of plant species in diverse ecosystems across the world. 2. Moth populations are known to be undergoing significant declines in several European countries. Among the potential drivers of this decline is increasing light pollution. The known and possible effects of artificial night lighting upon moths were reviewed, and suggest how artificial night lighting might in turn affect the provision of pollination by moths. The need for studies of the effects of artificial night lighting upon whole communities of moths was hi

SUBMITTER: MacGregor CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4405039 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature