By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Alabama's official state insect is the monarch butterfly. It has reigned in that position since 1989. However, a change may be on the horizon. Some new legislation would give the title to the queen honey bee. State Representative Sue Schmitz has proposed the change, saying the new designation would highlight Alabama's bee industry. The House agriculture committee has already approved the bill, and it now awaits action in the House. The state does have an official butterfly -- it's the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.