Firefly Sanctuary, Nature reserve in Nanacamilpa, Mexico
The Firefly Sanctuary is a protected forest area where thousands of fireflies live among pine and oak trees at high elevation. From June through August, these insects produce natural light displays during their breeding season.
This forest became a protected sanctuary in the early 2000s to save the native firefly populations from decline. The designation helped secure the habitat they need to survive and reproduce.
Local guides lead evening walks through marked trails where visitors learn about firefly biology and what these communities do to protect the species. The tours show how traditional forest care helps maintain the right conditions for the insects to thrive.
Arrive before 7 PM to join the evening viewings, which last about one hour and require advance booking during peak season. The paths are marked but uneven, so wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight.
The sanctuary covers hundreds of hectares of forest at high elevation where pine and oak trees create ideal conditions for firefly reproduction. The scale and density of the population make the light displays particularly intense and coordinated.
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