The increased use of artificial light at night (ALAN) is a growing environmental problem that influences biodiversity and the structure and functioning of ecosystems. The aim of the project is to assess the impact that past light conditions - both natural and artificial – have had on the ability of species to cope with modern LED lights. Using the European glow-worm, we will assess female signalling (the bioluminescent glow) and male vision along three gradients: 1) a latitudinal gradient to evaluate the impact of natural light conditions on responses to LEDs, 2) an urbanisation gradient to evaluate the impact of earlier exposure to artificial light on responses, and 3) a temporal gradient to evaluate the impact of the time populations have been exposed to artificial light. The insights gained will be used to assess the degree to which information on past conditions can be used to predict responses of species to rapid human-induced environmental changes.

2023

2027