Cozumel’s Punta Sur to Host ‘Bichos Night’ Insect Event on Oct. 29

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) is inviting the public to explore the world of insects and other arthropods at “Bichos Night,” a free science and environmental education event set for Thursday, Oct. 29, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Punta Sur Ecotourism Park.

Park director Jesús Benavides Andrade said the program is aimed at people of all ages and is intended to spark interest in local biodiversity through hands-on contact with nature and guidance from specialists.

Entomologists and health experts on hand

Specialists in entomology and in the monitoring of arthropods of medical importance will take part, including staff from the Quintana Roo State Health Services, the National Institute of Public Health and the National Center for Preventive Programs and Disease Control (CENAPRECE). The participating scientists include Ángel Gómez Rivera, León Ibarra and Eduardo Dávalos Becerril, all of whom hold master’s degrees in science.

Benavides Andrade said the agenda features a talk on the ecological and public health importance of these organisms, a demonstration of the traps and methods researchers use to study them, and a guided walk to observe the species found in the park’s natural areas.

Pollinators and decomposers

The director said getting to know these small inhabitants helps people understand their role in pollination, the breakdown of organic matter and the balance of ecosystems, and encourages responsible wildlife observation.

Those interested in taking part in the nighttime event can register free of charge by emailing parquepuntasur@cozumelparks.org.