Carnivorous Lampshade Robot Runs On Flies It Catches

Here's a weird take on renewable energy -- do you have pests? Specifically, houseflies?

Then you might be interested in this "carnivorous lamp," which appears to be designed to catch flies, feed on them and use energy generated through that to power LEDs.

Only problem is it looks like a tiny disco ball or something.

Flies and moths are naturally attracted to light. This lamp shade has holes based on the form of the pitcher plant enabling access for the insects but no escape. Eventually they expire and fall into the microbial fuel cell underneath. This generates the electricity to power a series of LEDs located at the bottom of the shade. These are activated when the house lights are turned off.

Comments

[Nikola Tesla]

"Brilliant!"

Victorian Guinness Guys

[jorac]

Cool but what will PETA say?

[Jethro13]

Probably will push Sean Penn to advocate for the saving of such flies and they will be renamded buzzy kittens.

[Lionsden]

Oh my gosh!

I love it. I want one, but I don't have flies. I have those tiny little annoying critters that can sneak through the patio screens. Around here, horses have to wear little mesh face covers all summer long because of the pests.

These nasties spoil a starry night on the patio (unless you spray your face with insecticides, which I hate to do).

[huzzah]

If flies can power a lamp, could I get a larger one for my front door? I have a feeling Jehovah's Witnesses could power my water heater...

[Obama08]

ROTFLMAO!!

[Joe Bayen]

lol

[UnknownSoldier]

OMG LOL

[TomInJax]

That's funny. And Mormon's too. My boy freind invites them in to make them feel uneasy. He queens it up quite a bit. It's quite funny watching these 18 and 19 year old boys squirm.

[illinoisan]

Would it run on mosquitos?

[jferguson]

this is really good. And to think we were enjoying the absence of flies. This could be really useful in the north woods of Minnesota if it could handle flies the size of a dime.

[BLinCincinnati]

If they have an outdoor version it might be useful as a porch light or walkway light. I'd use one on my deck.

[MPAndonee]

I want one -- will it kill mosquites?

This might be the answer to Africa's problems!

[joe973]

Somehow, I always associated green with vegetarian, I got some rethinking to do!....

[SpaghettyIrish]

I'm vege, but I'm not fond of insects. Not saying I eat them (No Carmine or Confectioner's) but If my lamp did, and saved a little bit on the electric bill, I think I might call that win-win. Except for the bug.

[lifeblack]

Unless your place is absolutely overrun with flies, the walls crawling and buzzing..... this light won't even be able to shine as brightly as a nightlight.

[JohnJames]

Definitely. But a clever idea, nonetheless.

[bmwracer]

If it works on mosquitoes as well, I'll take two. :)

[Tom95134]

What will be the unintended consequences of this toy?

[desertdweller]

Can it be adjusted to attract and consume only Republican flies?

[Clavis]

Or all Republicans? We could replace coal with right-winger power!

[desertdweller]

Lots of cheap, but smelly hot air.

[Dystopic]

I WANT ONE BADLY

[lvogt]

Gadzooks. It's the dawn of the flesh eating robots!

[perturbation]

very very funny