Did you know that Michigan doesn’t have an official state bug? Legislation soon to be introduced by state Representative Brad Paquette would change that.

Paquette tells us he normally doesn’t work on bills like this, but a third grader from the River Valley School District approached his office about designating an official insect.

“This is an initiative that I want to make sure that young people know they can be involved in legislation and that they can have hope that we’re hearing them,” Paquette said. “So we have a bill introducing the Huron River leafhopper to be the state bug, the state insect.”

The Huron River leafhopper is a colorful little creature that only exists in Oakland and Mackinac counties.

“It’s an endangered species. It’s native to Michigan, and they brought it to my attention. And I wanted to work on something with some kids who have some energy for civics and civic engagement.”

The Huron River leafhopper is endemic to Michigan, meaning this is the only state where it can be found. It’s listed as critically imperiled, meaning very endangered.

Paquette says he thought about nominating the mosquito as the official state bug, but he didn’t want to give people an extra reminder of them. He plans to introduce his legislation this week.