Why do moths fly into lights?

[Modified]

Maybe so, but there are possibly explanations other than contriving a migratory "navigational-constant-angle-to-the-prevailing-light-source" theory to explain it. Sometimes the moths circle around the light - perhaps experience has taught them that landing on the hot glass is not very comfortable?

That wouldn't explain why they spiral in, and sometimes "bounce" off and spiral in again.

 

[Silly Green Monkey]

Tiger beetles, from Australia. They run in short bursts, in a straight line, then stop to process light and reorient on their prey.

 

[Donn]

Thanks. They totally miss that info on wikipedia.

I still can't quite figure out this moth to lightbulb thing. A moth comes through my window, into my room and bang! into the lightbulb. Where was it trying to go in the first place?
I can understand the orientation thing, but I can't understand what happens just before the moth starts it's journey and also how it decides to stop.

Stupid questions? Perhaps, I'm not the brightest bulb myself