Light traps with incandescent globes are used in a national monitoring program to detect the presence of Culicoides spp. responsible for the transmission of viruses to livestock and native animals. Recent events have suggested that the efficiency of these traps should be reconsidered and possibly improved. Subsequently, the response of eight species of Culicoides to light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) was determined at two locations in New South Wales. Culicoides austropalpalis Lee & Reye, C. bunrooiensis Lee & Reye and C. marksi Lee & Reye were attracted to blue light. Responses to blue and green light could not be separated for C. bundyensis Lee & Reye, C. dycei Lee & Reye, C. nattiensis Lee & Reye and C. victoriae Macfie. Culicoides brevitarsis Kieffer was significantly attracted to green light. This species is the major vector of Akabane and bluetongue viruses in Australia. These responses were all significantly greater than the responses to the incandescent lights currently used in the light traps. The response to red light was less than the response to incandescent light for all species. Catches of C. brevitarsis were also related to the intensity of the green LEDs. These were more effective than the currently used incandescent globes at intensities between 46% and 142% of the incandescent intensity.

A study of responses by Culicoides spp. to light traps with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) confirmed that the livestock virus vector, Culicoides brevitarsis Kieffer, was preferentially attracted to green light. Four species shown previously to respond to blue light exhibited significantly higher responses to ultraviolet (UV) light. Field trials comparing green LEDs with incandescent lights in New South Wales, Northern Territory and East Timor confirmed the superiority of green LEDs for catching C. brevitarsis. The green LED traps also had a significant advantage over incandescent traps for a wide range of Culicoides species. These included: species whose ultimate preference was for UV, most species that are proven or potential vectors of viruses affecting Australian livestock and native animals and the main species affecting humans in northern Australia. Use of green LEDs has been adopted for trapping C. brevitarsis, especially in its marginal and low-density areas, and for detecting incursions of new Culicoides spp. into Australia. Use could be possible for species in other insect Orders.

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