A state symbol serves as a tangible representation of local pride and the unique natural diversity found within a region. Washington, known for its vast natural landscapes, has a strong tradition of officially recognizing its native flora and fauna. By selecting specific symbols, the state honors the ecological importance of its local species and promotes awareness among its residents.
Identifying the State Insect
The official state insect of Washington is the common green darner dragonfly. Scientifically, this impressive flier is known by its binomial name, Anax junius. It is one of the largest and fastest dragonflies found in North America, making it an appropriate choice to represent the region’s dynamic natural life. The name “darner” comes from the female’s long, thin abdomen, which resembles a darning needle used to lay eggs in aquatic plants.
Natural History and Appearance
The adult green darner dragonfly is immediately recognizable by its striking coloration and size. It features a bright emerald green head and thorax, contrasting sharply with a long abdomen that is typically a deep blue in males and a greenish-brown in females. With a wingspan that can stretch between four and six inches, it is a powerful predator easily spotted near bodies of water.
The insect’s common nickname, “mosquito hawk,” speaks directly to its carnivorous diet and benefit to humans. Adult darners are voracious aerial hunters, consuming large quantities of flying insect pests, including mosquitoes, midges, and flies. They possess incredible eyesight, with massive compound eyes that wrap around most of their head, giving them nearly 360 degrees of vision while in flight.
The life cycle begins underwater, where the immature form, called a nymph or larva, resides for a period of one to five years. The aquatic nymph is also a fierce predator, feeding on small fish, tadpoles, and other aquatic insects using a specialized lower lip that shoots out to grasp prey. This nymph uses a unique form of jet propulsion, rapidly expelling water from its rectum to dart away from danger.
After its extended aquatic stage, the nymph crawls out of the water, and the adult insect emerges in a final molt, typically living for only one summer. The green darner is one of the few migratory dragonflies, traveling south for the winter, similar to the monarch butterfly. This species can be found throughout Washington, frequenting ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams from early spring until fall.
The Path to Official Designation
The green darner dragonfly achieved its official status in 1997 through a grassroots effort led by students, rather than a conventional political push. The campaign originated with students from Crestwood Elementary School in Kent who decided to champion a state insect to promote awareness of beneficial species.
The students first narrowed a list of potential candidates to species that were native and beneficial to the ecosystem. They consulted with an entomologist from Washington State University to ensure their selections were scientifically sound. The final choice was put to a statewide vote, with thousands of students from over 100 school districts participating.
The green darner won the popular student vote, defeating contenders like the ladybug and the green lacewing. Following the successful campaign, the students took their proposal to the state legislature in Olympia. This effort demonstrated their command of civics, as they drafted letters, lobbied lawmakers, and tracked the legislative process.
The proposal ultimately passed, and the common green darner dragonfly was officially designated as the state insect, recognizing it as a beneficial contributor to the ecosystem.