Thousands of luminous insects, better known as fireflies, can be seen in some areas of Mexico. Below we will reveal a couple of options to enjoy this show.
According to research, there are more than 2,000 species of fireflies in the world, which are actually beetles that have light organs that make them shine with an intermittent light, a function that helps them find a mate and defend themselves.
These light bugs are distributed in warm or temperate regions with the presence of humidity, being found in some areas of America, Asia, and Europe. This time we will reveal a couple of places where their sighting is known.
Sanctuary of the Fireflies in Tlaxcala
The Sanctuary of the Fireflies, located in the forest of Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala offers visitors a unique and different experience, because in the middle of the darkness they can be part of the show that the dozens of female fireflies give when they light up so that the males court them.
The approximate cost of the night tour ranges from 100 to 350 pesos per person, but they also offer “all-inclusive” packages, from 970 pesos per person to 4,150 pesos per group.
The best period to visit them is between June and August. The natural spectacle begins between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., so it is forbidden to access the forest area after the established time, so as not to disturb the fireflies with lights or noise.
Tlalpan Forest
After hard work, a working group in charge of its conservation and the project called Lucernia, the Tlalpan Forest, located south of Mexico City, is one more site that houses dozens of these little animals.
Since last June 12, several experts have carried out studies to carry out strategies for the care and population growth of the bugs.
“The presence of fireflies in Bosque de Tlalpan is an indication of the good state of conservation and the presence of humidity in the forest and this study will allow us to determine if it is feasible to carry out sighting tours of them, for this reason, it is important not to impact the soil where the larvae are found and reduce the use of artificial lights so as not to interfere with their mating”, assured Edwin Domínguez, one of the people who carried out the studies.
Specialists highlighted that, among the factors that put firefly populations at risk, whose life cycle is approximately one year, are artificial light and soil compaction. wooden fences to prevent passage in green areas since they have been affected by paths formed by visitors, which has generated compaction of the soil and has affected the larvae and eggs of these insects.
Although tours have not yet been authorized in this forest to marvel at the sighting of these insects, the studies carried out by the Ministry of the Environment (Sedema) of CDMX, through the General Directorate of the System of Protected Natural Areas and Areas of Environmental Value ( DGSANPAVA), continue their work to achieve it.