As the Michigan legislative session closes, MGC is encouraged by the fact that the Black Swallowtail Bill, HB4159, passed through the House of Representatives to the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee in June 2023. However, the bill did not receive a hearing with the Senate committee. Currently, we are awaiting election results in hopes that Rep. Julie Brixie will be re-elected and once again reintroduce the Black Swallowtail as Michigan’s official state butterfly. We must remember that it is not unusual for a bill of this nature to require many years to be passed.
Why The Black Swallowtail for State Butterfly?
Such a designation would promote the importance of pollinators which are crucial to Michigan crops. Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc., is working with the Michigan legislature and other organizations to support this bill. The Black Swallowtail is an appropriate ambassador for Michigan pollinators for the following reasons:
- It spends its entire life cycle in Michigan, overwintering as a pupa. This is unlike many other butterflies that are transient visitors to our state.
- Its habitat covers the entire state.
- It is not only non-threatening but also beautiful making it an excellent teaching tool about pollinators.
- The Black Swallowtail is often seen at the garden level making it easily visible and identifiable. Again, making this butterfly an excellent teaching tool.
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THANK YOU TO REPRESENTATIVE BRIXIE FOR ALL OF HER SUPPORT TO GET THIS THROUGH THE MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES! PLEASE HELP US MAKE THE BLACK SWALLOWTAIL OUR STATE BUTTERFLY!!!
Contact:
Jeanette Meyer, Legislation Chair
Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc
Homegrown National Park