Unexpected Attraction of Polarotactic Water-Leaving Insects to Matt Black Car Surfaces: Mattness of Paintwork Cannot Eliminate the Polarized Light Pollution of Black Cars

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103339
• Publication Date: 2014-07-30T20:33:37Z
• Authors: Miklos Blaho; Tamas Herczeg; Gyorgy Kriska; Adam Egri; Denes Szaz; Alexandra Farkas; Nikolett Tarjanyi; Laszlo Czinke; Andras Barta; Gabor Horvath
• Keywords: Light Pollution; Iridescence

The horizontally polarizing surface parts of shiny black cars (the reflection-polarization characteristics which are similar to those water surfaces) attract water-leaving polarotactic insects. Thus, typical sources polarized light pollution endangering A new fashion fad is make car-bodies matt or grey. Since rough (matt) surfaces depolarize the reflected light, one ways reducing concerned surface. Consequently, black/grey may not induce pollution, would be an advantageous feature for environmental protection. To test this idea, we performed field experiments with horizontal and car-body laid on ground. Using imaging polarimetry, in multiple-choice investigated attractiveness these various insects obtained following results: (i) depends complex manner roughness (shiny, matt) species (mayflies, dolichopodids, tabanids). (ii) Non-expectedly, dark grey car finish much more attractive mayflies (being endangered protected many countries) than finish. (iii) usually cannot reduced use painting. On basis these, our two novel findings that (a) car-paints highly polarization reflecting, (b) paints suitable repel Hence, recent technology used eliminate even can enhance changing painting a disadvantageous concerning reduction vehicles.