State Insects of the United States: A Diverse Look at Official Symbols
Across the United States, many states have chosen to honor the natural world by designating official insect representatives. These designations serve as symbols of local biodiversity, agricultural importance, or cultural heritage. While these titles often focus on a single species, some states have expanded their honors to include multiple categories, such as a specific state butterfly or a state agricultural insect.
The diversity of these selections is striking. While many insects are native to the North American landscape, a significant portion of the chosen species are actually non-native. This is largely due to the widespread popularity of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the European mantis (Mantis religiosa), both of which have been adopted by numerous states for their ecological or economic roles.
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Key Facts
- 48 of the 50 United States have designated an official state insect.
- Iowa and Michigan are the only two states without a designated state insect.
- The European honey bee is one of the most frequently chosen insects across various states.
- Some states designate multiple insects, such as a state insect and a separate state butterfly.
- More than half of the chosen insects are not native to North America.
Diversity in Designations
The way states approach these designations varies significantly. Some states focus on a single insect to represent their entire region, while others provide more nuanced categories. For example, Alabama recognizes the Monarch butterfly as its state insect, but also honors the Queen honey bee as its state agricultural insect and the Eastern tiger swallowtail as its state butterfly and mascot.
These categories allow states to highlight different aspects of their ecosystems. A state might choose a macroinvertebrate—an organism without a backbone that is visible to the naked eye—to represent its waterways, such as Delaware's designation of the Stonefly. Others may focus on pollinators, acknowledging the vital role insects play in food production and plant reproduction.
A Comparative Overview of State Insects
The following table provides a detailed look at various state insect designations, including their scientific names and the year they were officially recognized.
| State | State Insect / Category | Binomial Name | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Monarch butterfly (state insect) | Danaus plexippus | 1989 |
| Alaska | Four-spotted skimmer dragonfly | Libellula quadrimaculata | 1995 |
| Arizona | Two-tailed swallowtail (state butterfly) | Papilio multicaudata | 2001 |
| Arkansas | European honey bee (state insect) | Apis mellifera | 1973 |
| California | California dogface butterfly (state butterfly) | Zerene eurydice | 1972 |
| Colorado | Colorado hairstreak | Hypaurotis crysalus | 1996 |
| Connecticut | European mantis | Mantis religiosa | 1977 |
| Delaware | Lady bug (state bug) | Coccinellidae | 1974 |
| Florida | Zebra longwing (state butterfly) | Heliconius charitonius | 1996 |
| Georgia | European honey bee (state insect) | Apis mellifera | 1975 |
| Hawaii | Kamehameha butterfly | Vanessa tameamea | 2009 |
| Indiana | Say's firefly | Pyractomena angulata | 2018 |
| Minnesota | Rusty patched bumblebee (state bee) | Bombus affinis | 2019 |
| New Mexico | Tarantula hawk wasp (state insect) | Pepsis grossa | 1989 |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania firefly | Photuris pennsylvanica | 1974 |
| Tennessee | Common eastern firefly (state insect) | Photinus pyralis | 1975 |
Note: This table is a representative sample of the full list of state designations.
Scientific Classification and Naming
When discussing these insects, scientists use binomial nomenclature, a formal system of naming species with two parts: the genus and the specific epithet. For example, the Monarch butterfly is known scientifically as Danaus plexippus. This system ensures that researchers and citizens around the world are referring to the exact same organism, regardless of local common names.
Some designations are even broader, referring to an entire family rather than a single species. For instance, several states recognize the Coccinellidae family, commonly known as ladybugs, as their official state insect or bug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states do not have a designated state insect?
Iowa and Michigan are currently the only two states in the United States without an official state insect.
Are state insects always native to the United States?
No. More than half of the insects chosen as state symbols are not native to North America. This includes species like the European honey bee and the European mantis.
Can a state have more than one official insect?
Yes. Some states have multiple designations, such as a state insect, a state butterfly, or a state agricultural insect.
What is a binomial name?
A binomial name is the scientific name of a species, consisting of two parts: the genus name and the specific epithet, typically written in italics.
Why is the European honey bee so common in state lists?
The European honey bee is a highly significant species that has been chosen by numerous states, often in roles such as state insect, state agricultural insect, or state pollinator.