【明報專訊】Fireflies (螢火蟲) are a type of insect active during the night. Their tails produce light. In July, they were seen near the shrubs on a slope near a housing estate in Kowloon. Larvae of fireflies were also found on the ground, meaning that the insects were bred on the site.

Vor Yiu (饒戈), the author of the book Fireflies of Hong Kong (《香港螢火蟲》) and the chairman of the Hong Kong Entomological Society (香港昆蟲學會), said it was the first case of fireflies' appearance and their breeding in urban districts in Hong Kong. He also identified the fireflies as a species called Pyrocoelia analis (寬緣窗螢), which is relatively larger than the other species. Unlike other species, this species produces light that does not flash. Yiu thinks the discovery carries important conservation value and we should preserve them in urban areas.

(sources: Ming Pao, Fireflies of Hong Kong)

■ Game １

Dr Panda has taken photos of the trails of light left behind by fireflies. Can you draw the trail in one stroke?

■ Game ２

Eason has caught and locked some fireflies in a cylinder! Solve the puzzle to set them free!

(Answers on next text)

■ English highway﹕

flash (n / v)

To "flash" means to shine suddenly and brightly for a short time, or to make something shine in this way. It can also mean a bright light that shines for a short time and then stops shining.

e.g.Pat is flashing her car's headlights at us!

■ Glossary

shrub (n) 灌木

larva (n) 幼蟲

breed (v) 孕育

conservation (n)保護