| Keyword |
Description |
| Firefly |
A glowing beetle that flashes light to send signals at night |
| Species |
A group of living things that are the same kind |
| Habitat |
The natural home where a plant or animal lives |
Scientists and community helpers found a brand-new firefly in Chapultepec Forest during the 2024 BioBlitz in Mexico City. The tiny beetle belongs to the genus Photinus and did not match any known species, so researchers announced it as newly discovered. Now the capital counts 17 kinds of fireflies, out of about 300 species known across Mexico. The city even invited the public to help choose the insect’s scientific name, inspired by five Mexican women who made history.
Fireflies glow to talk and find mates, which works best in dark, healthy places. Bright city lights, pesticides, drier soils, habitat loss, and climate change can make life harder for them. Protecting habitats like Chapultepec and other firefly spots in Tlaxcala, Michoacán, and Puebla helps them keep sparkling on summer nights. Learning about and caring for these gentle insects is a small way to protect nature in the city.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Habitat |
Habitat |
| Insect |
Insecto |
| Inspired |
Inspirado |
Time to discuss
- Should cities dim park lights at night to help fireflies communicate?
- What matters more: tourism and visits, or keeping firefly areas quiet and dark?
- How can children help protect small animals in big cities?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Write a short letter asking neighbors to protect fireflies in the park.
- Imagine being the new firefly; describe one night in Chapultepec Forest.
