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Investigating Light Pollution’s Effect on Arachnid Circadian Rhythm

CSEF · 2026 Zoology (Senior Division)

Leona Min

Overview

This study investigated how simulated light pollution affects the circadian rhythm of different species of spiders, which varies between animals from 23 to 25 hours, but has only been established for a few species of spiders. Under controlled conditions, the circadian rhythm of six spiders was established through a ten-day period of 12-hour day and 12-hour night, then tested under a 10-day continuous light pollution scenario. Binary inside/outside measurements were taken 9 times per day for each subject. The resulting circadian cycle was consistently near 24.5 hours for spider species. The five nocturnal tarantula species increased sheltering behavior as the pollution scenario progressed, and the diurnal jumping spider species spent more time outside. These findings highlight a critical behavioral divergence in light pollution scenarios, and they will inform conservationists in understanding the effects of light pollution on animal populations.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Zoology (Senior Division) · Entry S-20-07

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