Question

Fun Fact #57: Ever doubted that light effects wildlife? Well here is a rather extreme example. The Bogong Moth migrates south/south-east in winter in the East of Australia. Normally they would travel to the caves in the mountains where they become inactive for the summer months. However they are attracted to light which posses a problem in the nearby brightly lit cities. This wouldn't be a problem for normal moths however these guys occur in plague proportions.

Answer 1

There's a report from the mid 1970's where in a new building (complete with bright lights) the moths were attracted to and it caused the lifts to fail. The Australian Parliament house now must shut off its lights in for part of the year just so it doesn't become invaded by these moths.

Answer 2

Sources: http://australianmuseum.net.au/Bogong-Moth http://www.csiro.au/resources/BogongMoths.html http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rb/2006-07/07rb06.htm

*flap* *flap* *flap*

Answer 3

They are quite large too and are a traditional aboriginal food; roasted over fires...
And yes Parliament house had a massive cleanup operation to get rid of them after the 'invasions'

Answer 4

Yum.. Moths. I can't imagine that would have smelt good lol.

Answer 5

I suppose you are much closer to the epi-centre :P After all I just get to hear about these things from afar!

Answer 6

I used to live in Canberra and we get Bogongs down where I live now

Answer 7

Wow cool! Though I'm not sure if that's a good thing.. hehe