AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s State and Local Government Committee voted Tuesday to advance a measure from State Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that would name the Pink-edged Sulphur the state butterfly. The vote was unanimous among those present.

Gramlich introduced the bill after she was contacted by students Oscar Stanton and Tate Graham last fall. The two fifth-graders at Loranger Memorial School wrote to suggest the Legislature name a state butterfly.

“This story is a perfect example of how young people can learn about civics, be engaged in the process and see their hard work pay off,” said Gramlich. “I am so proud of Oscar, Tate and their classmates for the thoughtful way they are bringing attention to our state’s butterfly species. They certainly have bright futures ahead of them, and I hope they will always remember that they can make a real difference by getting involved.”

After the students wrote to Gramlich, she and fifth-grade teachers Laura Seaver and Cynthia Nye connected with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to help determine the best candidate for the honor. Commissioner Judy Camuso, wildlife biologist Phillip deMaynadier, Ph.D., and Education and Outreach Supervisor Laura Craver-Rogers visited Loranger Memorial School in February to meet with the students.

Stanton and Graham told members of the State and Local Government Committee during a public hearing on the measure that they and their classmates determined, after hearing from the state officials, that the Pink-edged Sulphur is the best choice.

“Butterflies help to pollinate our gardens, they are very pretty and a bunch of other states have state butterflies, so we thought we should, too,” said Graham and Stanton. “We originally thought the state butterfly should be the Hessel’s Hairstreak, which can be found in York County, but we met with an insect expert from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and they helped us think about other possible butterflies that live all over Maine. With further research, our class voted, and we agreed on the Pink-edged Sulphur.”

Camuso and deMaynadier also testified in support of the measure on behalf of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The Pink-edged Sulphur can be found throughout Maine. The distinctive bright yellow and pink butterflies can be found in a variety of open habitats and prefer to lay their eggs on blueberry foliage.

LD 239 faces additional votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.

Gramlich is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Old Orchard Beach. She is the House chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.