What specific behavior causes adult rove beetles to accumulate around artificial light sources at night?
Answer
Positive phototaxis
Rove beetles are generally nocturnal insects that hide during daylight hours. A third significant factor drawing them toward human environments at night is light. They exhibit a behavioral trait known as positive phototaxis, meaning they are naturally attracted to light sources. This inherent tendency overrides their usual preference for damp, dark breeding grounds, causing them to actively move towards artificial lighting produced in human habitations after dark. This attraction, combined with their speed as runners and ability as fliers, allows them to quickly approach these visual beacons.
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