Invertebrates and High-Voltage Powerlines

Abstract

The effect of power-frequency electric fields on invertebrate movement and behavior was studied. Data was obtained in the vicinity of an operating 500-kV powerline, and from underneath a simulated powerline (where the electric field could be controlled). Electric fields greater than 8-10 kV/m affected the behavior of flying insects; small insects could not fly, and large insects avoided the high-field region. Electric fields lowered both the activity of mosquitoes (to attack the host) and insect flower attendance. The prevalence of most non-flying insect species was not altered by the electric field, probably because of screening of the electric fields by vegetation and the ability of the insects to migrate. The existing Soviet safety standards for high-voltage powerlines seem sufficient to protect invertebrates.