moths

Scientists have found that artificial light can interfere with many insects' ability to position themselves relative to the sky.

Science

'Like moths to a flame'? Here's what's going on with insects and porch lights

4:43pm January 30, 2024

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Those insects you see flying in crazed circles are trying to keep their backs towards the light because they think that direction is up, new research suggests.

A blue morpho butterfly sits on a leaf. A new study finds that butterflies likely originated somewhere in western North America or Central America around 100 million years ago.

Science
Environment

Butterflies originated in North America after splitting from moths, new study suggests

9:03am May 16, 2023

by Ari Daniel

Butterflies likely split from nocturnal moths around 100 million years ago in present-day western North America or Central America, a new study of the winged insects finds.