Lost in the Glow: How Light Pollution Disrupts Pollinator Behavior

Abstract

Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts natural light–dark cycles and affects the behaviour, navigation, and activity of nocturnal pollinators. These disruptions reduce flower visitation and pollination efficiency, weakening reproductive success in night-blooming plants and threatening ecosystem stability. A structured literature review was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Studies focusing on ALAN’s behavioural, ecological, and pollination-related impacts on nocturnal pollinators were selected and synthesised. ALAN causes behavioural disorientation, altered foraging, and reduced pollen transfer in moths, beetles, bats, and nocturnal bees. White and green lights are most disruptive, leading to up to 62% declines in nocturnal visits and reduced fruit set. Long-term exposure contributes to declines in nocturnal pollinator diversity and reduced yields in crops dependent on night pollination. ALAN is an emerging global threat to pollination services. Mitigation through warm-spectrum lighting, reduced illumination, and ecological light management is essential to conserve nocturnal pollinators, maintain biodiversity, and support ecosystem and agricultural resilience.