Impact of artificial light intensity on nocturnal insect diversity in urban and rural areas of the Asir province, Saudi Arabia

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242315
• Publication Date: 2020-12-01T16:12:08Z
• Authors: Abdulrahim Refdan...; Khalid Ali Khan; Hamed A. Ghramh; Zubair Ahmad; Adil Ali Ahmad AL...
• Keywords: Artificial Light; Light intensity

Continuous urban developments have resulted in increased demand for street furniture, one of which is light columns. Artificial at night (ALAN) pose significant impacts on insect diversity and rural areas. The ALAN a driver decline diversity. This study evaluated the impact intensity sky quality areas Asir province, Saudi Arabia. Insect traps were installed both during night. Light nearby road lamps was measured using meter, while meter. Rural exhibited low (10.33 flux/f.candle) good (18.80 magnitude/arcsec 2 ). Urban intense (89.33 poor (15.49 Higher recorded where insects belonging to seven orders (i.e., Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Neuroptera, Dermaptera) collected. However, four Neuroptera) found indicating Lepidopteran frequently from they are attracted artificial light. It concluded that excessive disrupt biodiversity. Therefore, must be considered responsible biodiversity along with other known factors.