The new species of firefly found in the Bosque de Chapultepec was named María Sabina! Yes, in honor of the renowned healer from Oaxaca.
In September 2024, during the BioBlitz journey, UNAM experts observed a species that did not coincide with registered specimens. After arduous research and study, the Ministry of Environment confirmed that it was an unpublished firefly.
Then a process of taxonomic identity began, that is, finding a name to classify the new species. The selection was open to the public in a vote called “Mexican women who enlighten us”.
Participants had to choose between Irene Elena Motts Beal, Magdalena Cervantes Castañeda, Malinali Tenepal, María Sabina and Rosario Castellanos.
The most voted women were María Sabina, Malinali Tenepal and Irene Elena Motts Beal. María Sabina finally won, so the scientific name of the Chapultepec firefly is Photinus mariasabinae.
According to SEDEMA, this name recognizes the union between scientific and traditional knowledge. It also represents the balance between nature, ancestral knowledge and spirituality.
Let’s remember that this woman was recognized worldwide for healing through mushroom ceremonies.
The CDMX is a luminous sanctuary
The Chapultepec Forest is a sanctuary for Photinus mariasabinae! With this discovery, Mexico City is home to 17 species of fireflies.