What term describes the strong attraction of active adult Christmas beetles to artificial lights after dusk?
Answer
Phototaxis
The tendency for many nocturnal beetles, including the Christmas beetle, to orient themselves toward or move toward sources of light is scientifically labeled as phototaxis. This behavior becomes particularly noticeable when these insects become active as twilight fades. While this attraction to artificial lights is not directly linked to essential functions like feeding or reproduction, it is the mechanism that frequently brings them into immediate contact with human habitation, such as verandas or windows, significantly increasing the visibility of their presence during the summer evenings.
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