Act Naming American Burying Beetle as RI State Insect is Signed; Drawing Contest for Kids Announced

Governor Gina Raimondo gathered with a group of schoolchildren from Newport’s St. Michael’s Country Day School at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence on a hot and humid Wednesday, and it wasn’t to watch the elephants that live there.

It was to sign an act that proclaims the humble American Burying Beetle is now Rhode Island’s official state insect.

The act is the result of a group of third grade students at the school who advocated on the beetle’s behalf.

It’s a rare species and Rhode Island is one of the few places in the world where it can be found, so it made sense to give them some much needed attention, they figured.

Local lawmakers got the insect bug too, and soon, a bill was sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson of Newport and Sen. Susan Sosnowski of South Kingstown and New Shoreham.

It was approved rapidly and today, with the stroke of the pen, the American Burying Beetle officially became our state bug, though Rhode Island arguably will remain better known for the famed Big Blue Bug.

“These students are an inspiration. They truly took their education beyond the classroom, ”Raimondo said.

Raimondo also today announced a new contest, which she called the Beetle Drawing Competition. Children across Rhode Island are encouraged to draw the state insect as a “true Rhode Islander.”

“Now that the American burying beetle is a symbol for our state, I want to see Rhode Island’s children draw our state insect as a true Rhode Islander. Participants can mail drawings into my office or email communications@governor.ri.gov to enter between now and August 14th. I am looking forward to seeing the entries!” she said.

Carson said that the students have sown a seed for future generations with their efforts to name a state bug.

“I’m so impressed by the initiative these children took and the diligence with which they pursued their idea,” Carson said. “Many years from now, when their grandchildren are learning about Rhode Island like they were this year, they’ll be able to proudly tell them the story of how Rhode Island has a state insect because of their advocacy in the third grade. They have already made their mark in Rhode Island.”

And Carson said hopefully, the bug is no longer on the endangered species list by then.

Sosnowski, a farmer, said the students have taught us all an important civics lesson.

“The students behind this bill have worked hard to make their idea a reality, negotiating the democratic process like adults and exercising their rights as involved citizens,” Sosnowski said. “It’s been an excellent civics lesson for them, and they’ve been a great example to other kids of how any citizen, at any age, can be engaged in their government and make a difference.”