The Old Lineup
European Honeybee, Viceroy Butterfly
The current state insects of Kentucky do very little to represent what is unique about the region. We are represented by a state insect, the European Honeybee, which is shared by more than 13 states and is not native to the US. Our butterfly, the viceroy, is not shared by another state, but it is a mimic of the Monarch butterfly, which is the state insect of 7 other states. Interestingly, the viceroy mimics bird poop as a caterpillar and is also toxic, but it is found across the US. Kentuckians are some of the most unique and creative people I have met, and I believe we need a state butterfly and insect that reflects that. Proposed here is a lineup of insects that represent the bluegrass state, the blue flag, the blue-themed wildcats, the blue sunsets of the Appalachian Mountains, and Kentucky in general.
Appalachian Blue Glowworm, Appalachian Azure
The proposed change features two blue insects. We should have a blue insect tied to the bluegrass region. Since we also have a state butterfly (the viceroy, which is a mimic of the monarch, also shared by seven states), let's change it to a more unique butterfly, and change the state insect to one of the most unique insects in the world found in the Appalachian region that glows like the stars that inhabit this state. To support this decision, sign the petition below!
The New Lineup
Appalachian Blue Glowworm
Orfelia fultoni
We need a blue insect that glows like the stars who inhabit the bluegrass state. Orfelia fultoni, the Appalachian blue glowworm, is the perfect pick! A spectacular population was discovered by Morehead State University students in 2023. They are now found across the state and were featured as an insect of the Appalachia region by National Geographic. As larvae, they glow blue and eat small gnats and mosquitoes.
Appalachian Azure
Celastrina neglectamajor
A small blue-winged butterfly that is associated with various plants in Appalachia. The beautiful green larvae are associated with ants (my specialty), and they show up in the spring as the dogwoods are flowering along creekbeds and wood edges of the state. Appalachian azures show up earlier in the year than the summer azure, but they are widely seen across the state.
