@article{StormsJakharMitesseretal.2022,
  author    = {Storms, Mona and Jakhar, Aryan and Mitesser, Oliver and Jechow, Andreas and H{\"o}lker, Franz and Degen, Tobias and Hovestadt, Thomas and Degen, Jacqueline},
  title     = {The rising moon promotes mate finding in moths},
  series = {Communications Biology},
  volume    = {5},
  journal   = {Communications Biology},
  doi       = {10.1038/s42003-022-03331-x},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-301365},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {To counteract insect decline, it is essential to understand the underlying causes, especially for key pollinators such as nocturnal moths whose ability to orientate can easily be influenced by ambient light conditions. These comprise natural light sources as well as artificial light, but their specific relevance for moth orientation is still unknown. We investigated the influence of moonlight on the reproductive behavior of privet hawkmoths (Sphinx ligustri) at a relatively dark site where the Milky Way was visible while the horizon was illuminated by distant light sources and skyglow. We show that male moths use the moon for orientation and reach females significantly faster with increasing moon elevation. Furthermore, the choice of flight direction depended on the cardinal position of the moon but not on the illumination of the horizon caused by artificial light, indicating that the moon plays a key role in the orientation of male moths.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GrubisicHaimBhusaletal.2019,
  author    = {Grubisic, Maja and Haim, Abraham and Bhusal, Pramod and Dominoni, Davide M. and Gabriel, Katharina M. A. and Jechow, Andreas and Kupprat, Franziska and Lerner, Amit and Marchant, Paul and Riley, William and Stebelova, Katarina and van Grunsven, Roy H. A. and Zeman, Michal and Zubidat, Abed E. and H{\"o}lker, Franz},
  title     = {Light Pollution, Circadian Photoreception, and Melatonin in Vertebrates},
  series = {Sustainability},
  volume    = {11},
  journal   = {Sustainability},
  number    = {22},
  issn      = {2071-1050},
  doi       = {10.3390/su11226400},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193095},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing exponentially worldwide, accelerated by the transition to new efficient lighting technologies. However, ALAN and resulting light pollution can cause unintended physiological consequences. In vertebrates, production of melatonin—the "hormone of darkness" and a key player in circadian regulation—can be suppressed by ALAN. In this paper, we provide an overview of research on melatonin and ALAN in vertebrates. We discuss how ALAN disrupts natural photic environments, its effect on melatonin and circadian rhythms, and different photoreceptor systems across vertebrate taxa. We then present the results of a systematic review in which we identified studies on melatonin under typical light-polluted conditions in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including humans. Melatonin is suppressed by extremely low light intensities in many vertebrates, ranging from 0.01-0.03 lx for fishes and rodents to 6 lx for sensitive humans. Even lower, wavelength-dependent intensities are implied by some studies and require rigorous testing in ecological contexts. In many studies, melatonin suppression occurs at the minimum light levels tested, and, in better-studied groups, melatonin suppression is reported to occur at lower light levels. We identify major research gaps and conclude that, for most groups, crucial information is lacking. No studies were identified for amphibians and reptiles and long-term impacts of low-level ALAN exposure are unknown. Given the high sensitivity of vertebrate melatonin production to ALAN and the paucity of available information, it is crucial to research impacts of ALAN further in order to inform effective mitigation strategies for human health and the wellbeing and fitness of vertebrates in natural ecosystems.},
  language  = {en}
}