Why do moths fly toward lights?

Moths use a behavior called transverse orientation, where they keep a constant angle to a distant light source to fly in a straight path. The Moon and stars are so far away that this works well in natural conditions. But nearby artificial lights, such as lamps or streetlights, make the system malfunction, causing moths to spiral or circle around them. Bright lights can also disrupt their orientation and make them easier prey for predators. Not all moths are equally attracted to light, but the phenomenon is common enough to be a well-known example of sensory confusion.