Indian Journal of Entomology
Open Access
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 88
  • Issue: 2

Assessment of Artificial Light at Night (Alan) As an Emerging Lethal Threat to Insect Biodiversity

  • Author:
  • Narendra Kuppan1, Raajasubramanian Devarajan1,*
  • Total Page Count: 4
  • Page Number: 321 to 324

1Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, 608002, Tamil Nadu, India

*Email: draajasubramanian@gmail.com (corresponding author):

Online published on 13 March, 2026.

Abstract

The pervasive influence of artificial light at night (ALAN) on ecosystems is an emerging concern, yet the specific impact on insect mortality remains underexplored. Our research uncovers striking seasonal trends in insect deaths driven by ALAN, with the rainy season recording the highest mortality (918 deaths), followed by winter (402 deaths), and summer with the lowest (290 deaths). These findings underscore ALAN's profound disruption of insect populations and call attention to the seasonal variability in its effects. By deciphering these patterns, we aim to enhance conservation efforts and protect insect biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for deeper investigation into the mechanisms at play.

Keywords

Entomology, Ecosystem, Urbanisation, Light pollution, Emerging pollutant, Ecological pyramid, Biodiversity artificial light at night (ALAN), Mortality