For centuries, people have wondered how the moon shapes life on Earth. Its pull controls the tides, but its influence reaches far beyond the oceans.
Many wild animals seem to adjust their behaviour in response to the lunar cycle, from changes in movement and feeding to patterns of reproduction.
While scientists have uncovered some explanations, much about these rhythms remains mysterious, reminding us of how closely nature is tied to celestial forces.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Animal behaviour may vary by species, region, and environment, and ongoing research continues to reveal new insights.
1. Sea Turtles
Female sea turtles emerge from the ocean to lay eggs predominantly during specific moon phases. They prefer darker nights around new moons when predators have more difficulty spotting them on beaches.
Baby turtles hatching weeks later use moonlight reflected on water as a natural compass. Light pollution from coastal developments often confuses these ancient navigational systems, leading hatchlings inland instead of toward the ocean.
2. Lions
Lions adjust their hunting tactics based on lunar illumination. Research in Africa shows their success rates drop significantly during full moons when prey can spot them more easily.
During darker phases, these big cats become more active and successful. Some prides even coordinate ambushes differently depending on available moonlight. Researchers have documented lions targeting different prey species during various lunar phases.
3. Barn Owls
Barn owls modify their hunting patterns according to the moon’s phases. During brighter nights, they spend less time hunting as their main prey, small rodents, stay hidden to avoid detection.
Researchers studying these nocturnal predators found they compensate by hunting more intensively during darker periods. Their specialized hearing allows them to locate prey even without visual cues, giving them an advantage regardless of lunar conditions.
4. Dung Beetles
Dung beetles use the moon as a navigational aid while rolling their precious balls of dung. These remarkable insects roll in straight lines by maintaining a constant angle to the moon’s position.
When clouds cover the moon, they can even navigate using the Milky Way, making them the only known insects to use our galaxy for orientation. This celestial navigation helps them move away from competition at dung piles as quickly as possible.
5. Scorpions
Scorpions glow an eerie blue-green under ultraviolet light, including moonlight, which contains UV wavelengths. Scientists remain puzzled about why this fluorescence evolved, though several theories exist.
Some researchers suggest it helps them detect and avoid light, as scorpions are extremely light-sensitive. Others propose it might attract prey or serve as a primitive form of sunscreen. Remarkably, fossilized scorpions from 400 million years ago show the same fluorescent properties.
6. Salmon
Salmon migrations follow patterns strongly influenced by moon-controlled tidal cycles. The strongest tides, occurring during new and full moons, help adult salmon navigate upstream with less energy expenditure.
Young salmon time their ocean entry to coincide with these same lunar-influenced tides. This synchronization has evolved over millions of years, creating precise biological clocks that maximize survival chances during these challenging life transitions.
7. Lemurs
Madagascar’s nocturnal lemurs show remarkable activity changes based on moon phases. Species like the mouse lemur become hyperactive during full moons, traveling greater distances and foraging more efficiently in the increased light.
During new moons, they stay closer to their sleeping sites and move more cautiously. Researchers discovered these primates adjust their internal biological clocks monthly to anticipate lunar cycles, demonstrating how deeply moon rhythms are embedded in their evolution.
8. Sandpipers
Sandpipers and other shorebirds time their migrations to coincide with full and new moon spring tides. These extreme tides expose vast mudflats rich with invertebrates, creating perfect refueling opportunities during their long journeys.
Flocks arrive at specific coastal locations precisely when lunar gravitation creates optimal feeding conditions. Their internal biological clocks synchronize with these predictable lunar cycles, allowing them to arrive at critical stopover sites exactly when food abundance peaks.
9. Midges
Certain midge species form massive mating swarms that correlate precisely with specific moon phases. These tiny insects emerge in synchronized bursts, creating clouds of millions of individuals that gather near lakes and rivers.
Scientists have documented how different species emerge on different days of the lunar cycle, reducing competition. This lunar-timed reproduction ensures optimal conditions for egg-laying and increases the chances of successful mating in these short-lived insects.
10. Fireflies
Certain firefly species coordinate their legendary light displays with lunar cycles. Their bioluminescent courtship reaches peak intensity during specific moon phases, particularly around the new moon when their flashes are most visible.
In Southeast Asia, some firefly colonies flash in perfect synchrony along riverbanks, creating spectacular natural light shows. Researchers believe this synchronization evolved to maximize mating success by creating collective signals bright enough to outshine competitors.
