Discover the Official Massachusetts State Insect

Each state has an official bird, an official mammal, and… an official insect? That’s right! Across the United States, you’ll find that each state has a variety of native wildlife chosen to describe the state, including one lucky insect.

Below, you learn about the state insect of Massachusetts and just how this iconic bug came to fame. Ready to learn more? Keep reading!

What Is the State Insect of Massachusetts?

The official Massachusetts state insect is the seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata). 

You may also know this insect as the ladybug, although it also goes by many other names. The ladybug is one of the most recognized insects in the United States. It is known for its bright red wings, which sport several black spots.

How the Ladybug Came to Be the Official Massachusetts State Insect

Oftentimes, there’s a story about how certain animals became symbols for different states or countries. The story of the ladybug becoming the official Massachusetts state insect is no exception. It is quite an interesting story, too.

The ladybug was first adopted as the insect emblem in 1975. However, its origins can’t be traced to lawmakers or politicians. Instead, the ladybug’s adoption resulted from a campaign led by a second-grade class from Franklin. Upon learning that Massachusetts had no state insect, Ms. Palma Johnson’s second-grade class at the Kennedy School decided to take matters into their own hands. The children of her class came together to campaign to have the ladybug instated as the official Massachusetts state insect.

Although it took several months and several hearings, the children’s campaign was successful, and the law came to pass so that the ladybug became the official Massachusetts state insect. The ladybug is also the official state insect for other states as well, showing just how popular this little bug is. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/erhandayi