Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
BLACK SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
AS OFFICIAL STATE BUTTERFLY
Analysis available at
House Bill 4159 as reported from committee http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Sponsor: Rep. Julie Brixie
Committee: Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation
Complete to 6-13-23
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4159 would create an act to designate the black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio
polyxenes) as Michigan’s official state butterfly. It would take effect 90 days after enactment.
BACKGROUND:
Bills to designate the black swallowtail butterfly as the official state butterfly have been
introduced in every legislative session since 2013-14.
Michigan is currently represented by many official state
symbols, including the following:
• Bird: American robin
• Fish: brook trout
• Flower: apple blossom
• Game mammal: white-tailed deer
• Reptile: painted turtle
• Stone: Petoskey stone
Black swallowtail butterfly
• Tree: eastern white pine
• Wildflower: dwarf lake iris
According to the Smithsonian Institution, 48 states have named an official state insect or
butterfly. Michigan and Iowa are the two states without such a designation. Supporters of
naming the black swallowtail butterfly as the state butterfly say this species is deserving of the
title because it resides in Michigan year-round, it can be found throughout the state, and it is a
pollinating insect which contributes to the success of native Michigan plants.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4159 would have no fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.
POSITIONS:
The following individuals testified in support of House Bill 4159 (5-18-23):
• A representative of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.
• Students from Okemos Public Montessori at Central
The following entities indicated support for House Bill 4159:
• The Nature Conservancy (5-25-23)
• Sierra Club Michigan Chapter (5-25-23)
• Kalamazoo Nature Center and Michigan Butterfly Network (5-18-23)
• Michigan League of Conservation Voters (5-18-23)
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 • Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association (5-18-23)
• Anishinaabek Caucus (5-18-23)
• Bees in the D (5-18-23)
• Sweetwater Evening Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Pentwater Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Touch the Earth Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Indian Hills Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Charlevoix Evening Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Petoskey Area Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Portage Lake Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Holland Garden Club (5-18-23)
• River Valley Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Ma-Me-Ne-Sewong Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Petal Pushers Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Garden Club of Dearborn (5-18-23)
• Looking Glass Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Grow and Show Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Dirt Dauber Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Taylor Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Edelweiss Garden Club of Gaylord (5-18-23)
• Western Hills Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Meek Mill Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Parchment Meek Mill Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Portage Meek Mill Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Kalamazoo Garden Council (5-18-23)
• Kalamazoo Garden Club (5-18-23)
• The Friendly Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Junior League Gardeners Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Farmington Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Milan Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Eden’s Garden Club of Monroe (5-18-23)
• Gardenettes Garden Club (5-18-23)
• DeWitt Millennium Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Rockford Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Port Sanilac Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Tri-Cities Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Morenci Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Wayne County Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Marshall Area Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Little Garden Club (5-18-23)
• Meridian Garden Club (5-18-23)
Legislative Analyst: Josh Roesner
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Cnossen
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
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