Secrets of nightlife: 5 animals that exhibit unusual behavior under the moonlight (with photos).

Moonlight, reflected from the Moon, has a direct impact on animal behavior. For instance, for animals that rely on vision while foraging for food, moonlight is advantageous. Conversely, for others that are at risk of being hunted at night, it poses a threat. Research indicates that moonlight influences the behavior of mammals even in some of the darkest places on Earth, such as the forest floor in tropical rainforests. Small mammals tend to avoid predators by becoming less active on moonlit nights. In response, predators also reduce their activity. Thus, moonlight in tropical regions seemingly creates a natural "rest phase" for wildlife. However, there are animals that seek food under the moonlight, becoming more active instead. Here are five species from around the globe that exhibit fascinating behavioral responses to moonlight, as reported by IFLScience.

Mayflies

Mayflies (Povilla adusta), winged insects found in East Africa, synchronize their mating with the Moon. These insects emerge in large numbers from their larval stage in water, which lasts four to five months, two days after the full moon. The adult mayflies live for just one to two hours, so they rush to mate and lay eggs before dying. Using the lunar cycle as a timer helps ensure that potential partners are nearby. The moonlight also aids them in accomplishing their urgent tasks.

Nighthawk

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Nighthawks are birds that hunt flying insects during twilight and dawn. Scientists recently studied the common nighthawk (Caprimulgus europaeus) in flight, both while foraging and during migration.

During the full moon, nighthawks extend their foraging time, meaning they search for food not only during the day but also at night, likely allowing them to catch more insects in the moonlight.

The Moon also signals to these birds when to lay their eggs. They ensure that their eggs hatch during the full moon, providing the best conditions for food availability when their chicks need it most.

Swift

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The black American swift (Cypseloides niger) builds its nests on ledges and in niches of remote cliffs in the western United States and Canada. These birds, which breed in the Rocky Mountains, migrate to the Amazon region of western Brazil.

Researchers have long known that black European swifts (Apus apus) fly continuously for ten months of the year when they are not breeding, including during their migration between Europe and tropical Africa.

Two years ago, scientists discovered for the first time that Cypseloides niger not only remain airborne during eight months of migration and wintering but also exhibit unexpected behavior.

During the ten days surrounding each full moon in the non-breeding season, the birds ascend to altitudes of 3-4 thousand meters after dark and stay there all night. However, during each new moon, the birds fly at relatively low altitudes.

The study revealed that swifts are more active in brighter conditions when they are at high altitudes compared to when they fly in darkness. This suggests that the birds catch more insects during each full moon.

Barn Owl

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Barn owls (Tyto alba) come in two colors: reddish and white. The primary prey of these birds, voles (mice), are more easily spotted by owls in moonlight and briefly freeze to avoid detection by predators.

Research indicates that if a barn owl is reddish, voles have a higher chance of escaping death. However, if the owl is white, the vole, blinded by the moonlight reflected from the owl's feathers, freezes for a longer time. Consequently, white owls are more effective hunters during the full moon.

Dung Beetle

The African dung beetle (Scarabaeus zambesianus) collects elephant dung, shaping it into balls to nurture and feed its offspring. It then rolls these balls away from the dung pile in a straight line to avoid competition from other beetles.

Dung beetles utilize sunlight to move dung balls in a straight line. Researchers have found that these beetles also use moonlight for this purpose, but their efficiency is highest during the full moon.