This is the 2896th most frequent Japanese word.
ほた
"ほた" is not a standard Japanese word or term with a clear definition; it may require context or could be a name.
In this sentence, "ほたる" refers to "fireflies," a common meaning of the word in Japanese when discussing nature.
ほたるは夜に光ります。
Fireflies glow at night.
Here, "ほた" functions as a proper noun, presumably used as a name of a person or character.
彼はほたと友達です。
He is friends with Hota.
In this instance, "ほた" is again utilized as a proper noun, most likely a name, indicating a subject.