Abstract
Wind power generated 8.3% of the United States’ total electricity in 2020 and this number is projected to grow as billions of dollars are invested in new wind projects annually. Wildlife mortality is cited as a primary concern regarding the proliferation of wind power. While many studies have investigated bird and bat interactions with wind power, little is known about the interactions between wind turbines and insects, despite these animals composing far more biomass than vertebrates. Turbine placement, coloration, shape, heat output, and lighting may attract insects to wind energy facilities and operational turbines. Furthermore, insects that fly at elevations within the diameter of turbine rotors may be more likely to strike turbines, which can decrease the turbine’s energy output. Insects also attract insectivorous animals, which may be killed by the turbines. Compiling what we know about these interactions and identifying the gaps in our knowledge is critical as wind power grows rapidly across the globe. In this paper we reviewed the state of the literature directly investigating insects and wind energy facilities, and explain and evaluate hypotheses regarding insect attraction to turbines. We found evidence of insect attraction to turbines due to turbine location, paint color, shape, and temperature output. This understudied topic of research is worthy of further investigation as concerns about insect declines and conservation have garnered more interest from the scientific community and public. Examining and compiling this information will provide a resource for those researching mitigation and management strategies, and will inform conservation agencies on what insects may be most vulnerable to the rapid expansion of wind technologies.