A biologist will explain the effects of artificial lighting on October 21st
What effects does artificial light have on insects? Why is there no truly insect-friendly light? And what can cities, businesses, and individuals do to combat light pollution? These questions will be addressed in a lecture on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the BUND Center for Urban Nature in Darmstadt.
From 7 to 8 pm, biologist and lighting consultant Dr. Annette Krop-Benesch will explain how artificial lighting affects the living conditions of insects and what possibilities exist to make nights darker and thus more insect-friendly.
How artificial light affects nature
Under the title "Insects and Light Pollution," the speaker addresses the effects of artificial lighting. The focus is particularly on how increasing nighttime brightness affects insects.
Another focus is the practical implementation of measures against light pollution. Dr. Krop-Benesch explains what options municipalities, companies, and private individuals have to reduce unnecessary lighting and better protect the nighttime environment.
The presentation also addresses the question of why, in the speaker's opinion, there is no fundamentally insect-friendly light.
The lecture is also available online
The event will take place at the BUND Center for Urban Nature at Klappacher Straße 27 in Darmstadt. Those unable to attend in person can follow the presentation online.
Further information and the access link to the online broadcast are available on the website of the City of Darmstadt.
Accompanying program for the exhibition “Multifaceted Insects”
The lecture is part of the accompanying program for the exhibition “Multifaceted Insects”, which can be seen at the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt until January 24, 2027.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt and the City of Science Darmstadt.
The most important data
Event: Lecture “Insects and Light Pollution”
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Annette Krop-Benesch, biologist and light consultant
Location: BUND Center for Urban Nature, Klappacher Straße 27, Darmstadt
Online participation: The lecture will also be streamed online.
Further information and access link: www.darmstadt.de – Multifaceted insects
Accompanying exhibition: “Multifaceted Insects”, Hessian State Museum Darmstadt, until January 24, 2027
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
