When it comes to state insects, most states honor fuzzy or beloved bugs like honey bees or butterflies.
Sue Katherine Boye Williams, 16, a junior at the Watkinson School in Hartford, Conn. and Chris Tracy, 19, a senior at the school, stand near an inlaid design of Connecticut's current State Insect, the European"Praying" Mantis, on the door to a hearing room at Connecticut's Legislative Office Building in Hartford on March 8, 2024. Both testified before a legislative committee, urging lawmakers to replace the non-native praying mantis with the native Spring Azure Butterfly.
Williams said it's “been a source of irritation” that the praying mantis gets all the glory, and she hopes greater attention paid to natives like the Spring Azure Butterfly will spark more interest in protecting the state's environment., nearly all of them colorful or fuzzy, with notable exceptions such as New Mexico’s Tarantula Hawk Wasp and South Carolina’s state bug -- a cousin to Connecticut’s and also not native to the U.S. -- the Carolina mantid.
Representing the other bug contender during Friday’s public hearing, state wildlife biologist Jane Seymour read a letter on behalf of students at Center Road School in Vernon, Conn. They extolled the virtues of the Autumn Meadowhawk Dragonfly, including how it eats mosquitoes and other biting bugs and how its flight has been studied for aeronautics purposes, including by Connecticut-based Sikorsky Aircraft.
Recognized for its habit of standing motionless on four hind legs while appearing to “pray” with its two forelegs, Mantis religiosa originated from northern Africa, southern Europe and parts of Asia and can now be found throughout Connecticut from early May or June until the weather turns cold, according to the state register and manual.
But in a sign of goodwill and cooperation not always seen in state politics, both sides offered up a solution: Dub the Meadow Hawk Dragonfly as the State Insect and the Spring Azure Butterfly as the State Butterfly. After all, some other states have both.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Students lobby to dethrone Connecticut's state insect, the voraciously predatory praying mantisWhen it comes to state insects, most states honor fuzzy or beloved bugs like honey bees or butterflies.
Read more »
Michelle Troconis guilty in death of Connecticut mom Jennifer DulosTim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Read more »
Michelle Troconis found guilty in disappearance of Connecticut mother Jennifer DulosJennifer Dulos was reported missing after dropping her kids off at school in New Canaan, Connecticut in May 2019.
Read more »
Family members react to guilty verdict in case of missing Connecticut mother Jennifer DulosMichelle Troconis, the girlfriend of Dulos' estranged husband, was found guilty for her role in the disappearance.
Read more »
Michelle Troconis trial: Woman convicted of helping boyfriend cover up Connecticut wife's murderMichelle Troconis is set to be sentenced on May 31.
Read more »
Michelle Troconis trial: Connecticut jury opens deliberations in Jennifer Dulos caseJennifer Dulos went missing on May 24, 2019, and has never been found. Prosecutors told the jury her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, attacked her at her New Canaan home and drove off with her body.
Read more »