attracted to light

Why are Moths Attracted to Light?

Moths obviously do fly into light, but the general consensus is that they’re not actually attracted to light — they’re just confused or otherwise disoriented by it. The reason why is open to debate, one that rages on among lepidopterists (those who study moths and butterflies). Some believe it’s because moths navigate by maintaining a constant angle to the moon or a star. Given a nearby bright light, rather than a distant cosmic body, this constant-angle steering would cause the moth to gradually spiral inward.

Others cite a theoretical phenomenon called the Loeb contraction, an inhibition of muscular action reportedly observed in some animals on the side nearest bright light. This could produce a ball-and-chain effect. A moth encountering a light to one side would become “weaker” on that side; the opposing “stronger” wings would push it toward the light.

Still another theory is that moths perceive a false dark region around intense light — a night-flying insect’s version of a watery desert mirage — and fly toward it to escape the glare. Others postulate that certain light frequencies invoke the same come-hither electrochemical responses in male moths as do female-moth sex pheromones. This, at least, could explain a moth’s apparent willingness to plunge into flame.

Have a look at this:

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_038.html

Cecil the Great dismisses the lunar theory and describes the (neurological?) mechanism that sends the moth or other night-flying insect away from light on a curving path. The curve 'dooms' the insect to return, and orbit.
But you're right; it is odd. The insect in question would shun the light, and reacts automatically to ensure its own safety. But something in that response causes the opposite result.
This is probably why the whole image of a moth encircling a flame has repeatedly cropped up as a motif in various kinds of artistic media. 'Cause it's tragedy...
Hart Crane wrote a wonderful poem about a moth that tried to fly to the sun. I just now looked for the title, but didn't find.

Another question to ask is this: why is it that when the light is gone (when it's time to turn the porch light off, or when the bug-loving night-lighter finally packs up and goes home), quite a few insects remain? There they are in morning's light.
I'm figuring that I'm not the only one to have observed this phenomenon?