Agriculture
Buffs boost black swallowtail as best bet for state butterfly
|
By JASON KRAFT
Capital News Service
LANSING – The black swallowtail would flit over Michigan as the official butterfly of the state if recently proposed legislation is approved. The apple blossom was designated Michigan’s state flower in 1897. The white pine was designated the state tree in 1955, and the brook trout was made the state fish in 1965. Despite Michigan’s long list of official symbols, it’s one of just three states without an official insect or butterfly. Sponsored by Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr., D-Meridian Township, the bill would put Michigan in line with 47 other states that have either a state butterfly or insect.