| Keyword |
Description |
| Bioluminescence |
Natural light made by living organisms to send signals |
| Species |
A group of organisms of the same kind that can reproduce |
| Habitat |
The natural place where an organism lives and meets its needs |
Scientists and local volunteers confirmed a new firefly species living in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Forest after the 2024 BioBlitz, a community science event where residents and researchers record nature together. Specimens from the genus Photinus didn’t match any known species, so the city announced the discovery and invited the public to help choose its scientific name. With this addition, the capital now counts 17 firefly species, and Mexico has around 300 documented species overall, highlighting the country’s global importance for these insects. People could vote on the Plaza Pública platform through Oct. 5, with name options honoring five Mexican women who “illuminated” the nation’s history through their work and legacy.
Fireflies flash to communicate and find mates, but bright night lighting in cities can scramble those signals and reduce survival. Researchers warn that climate change, drier soils, pesticide use, and habitat destruction are shrinking firefly populations across the country. Even though Mexico ranks among the world leaders in firefly diversity, many young people have never seen one, which shows how quickly urban life can separate people from everyday wildlife. Community science projects like the BioBlitz help fill knowledge gaps and reconnect residents with local ecosystems.
Chapultepec remains one of the city’s last refuges where summer rains bring visible swarms, a sign that parts of this urban ecosystem are still healthy. Scientists emphasize that protecting habitats in Chapultepec and other hotspots in Tlaxcala, Michoacán, and Puebla is the best way to keep fireflies glowing. Practical steps—shielding or dimming lights near green areas, reducing pesticides, and keeping moisture and leaf litter in parks and gardens—can support these sensitive beetles. If communities value the discovery and act with care, Mexico City can remain a place where fireflies light up warm nights for years to come.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Volunteers |
Voluntarios |
| Community science |
Comunidad científica |
| Climate change |
Cambio climático |
Time to discuss
- Should parks dim lights at night to protect firefly mating signals in cities?
- How can Mexico balance firefly tourism with quiet, dark habitats that insects need?
- What simple actions should neighborhoods take first to help urban fireflies?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Write an editorial urging city leaders to protect Chapultepec’s fireflies.
- Describe one summer night from the viewpoint of the newly discovered firefly.
