About

The International Firefly Symposium, held every three years, brings together a diverse global community including researchers, students, conservationists, naturalists, educators, artists, and others passionate about firefly research and conservation. The 2025 IFS seeks to open a space to share and exchange updated knowledge on the ecology, behavior, morphology, and cultural effects of fireflies, while fostering collaborative partnerships. We will also discuss new methodologies and strategies to protect threatened firefly species and their habitats. Our main goal is to raise awareness and appreciation of fireflies across cultures by blending artistic and scientific perspectives on these amazing insects.

Mexico is a hotspot for fireflies: almost 300 species have been recorded to date! In the country, a big community of researchers from various universities, alongside members of civil society, as well as ejidatarios, comuneros, and owners of firefly sighting centers, are actively engaged in the study of these wonderful insects. Together, we strive to uncover new insights about these enchanting creatures while seeking to harmonize tourism with conservation efforts. Our mission is to widely disseminate knowledge among the population through various means.

FIN Steering Committee 2022–2025
Christopher Cratsley (USA) - Chair
Sonny Wong Choong Hay (Malaysia) - Honorary secretary
Vor Yiu (Hong Kong) - Honorary treasurer
Wan F.A. Jusoh (Malaysia) - Australia-Pacific representative
Anchana Thancharoen (Thailand) - Asia representative
Raphaël de Cock (Belgium) - Europe representative
Sarah Lower (USA) – North America representative
Cisteil Xinum Pérez Hernández (Mexico) – Mexico & Central America representative
Organizing Committee in Mexico:
Cisteil Pérez - Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo and IUCN Firefly Specialist Group
Tania López-Palafox - Instituto de Ecología, UNAM and IUCN Firefly Specialist Group Regional Coordinator
Sandra García de Jesús - Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala
Juan Sánchez Suárez - Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala
Guillermo Pérez Flores - Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala
Ek del Val, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustenbilidad, UNAM
Pablo Jaramillo, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustenbilidad, UNAM
Paola Velázquez, Instituto de Investigaciones Antropológicas, UNAM
See below some photos of the previous IFS around the world.
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International Firefly Meeting, Portugal, 2007
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2008 International Firefly Symposium, Thailand
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2010 International Firefly Symposium, Malaysia
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2014 International Firefly Symposium, Florida
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2017 International Firefly Symposium, Taiwan
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2022 International Firefly Symposium, Portugal