We've hit the 5,000 species milestone! Thanks to all of you for contributing over 50,000 observations (!) to this project, which has now documented over 5,000 species (!!) of organisms attracted to the lights on our structures! Using such lighting allows for a passive and rather incidental method for documenting the diversity of species using the places where we live, work and play.
While drawn to our lights, these species are often pulled away from providing some of the essential ecosystem services that they’ve evolved to do, including as critical pollinators, decomposers, nutrient cyclers, as well as being vital parts of your local food webs. As such, and whenever possible without compromising your own safety, please remember to turn off your lighting for as much of the night as you can, helping to reduce light pollution and facilitating access to dark skies and starry, starry nights!
Thanks again for your observations!
Be the light…
Stan