Hawaii designated pulelehua, also known as the kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) as the official state insect in 2009. The kamehameha is one of only two native butterfly species in Hawaii (the other is Udara blackburni). All State Insects
Hawaii designated surfing as the official state individual sport in 1998 (outrigger canoe paddling was adopted as Hawaii's official team sport in 1986). All State Sports
Landlocked salmon (Salmo salar Sebago) was designated the official state fish of Maine in 1969. All State Fish
A prehistoric plant (Pertica quadrifaria) was designated as the official state fossil of Maine in 1985. All State Fossils
A primitive fern-like plant that lived during the Devonian Period (about 400 million years ago), Pertica quadrifaria was one of the largest plants of its time, growing to about 6 feet in height.
Maine designated "State of Maine Song" by Roger Vinton Snow as the official state song of Maine in 1937. All State Songs
The honeybee was designated the official state insect of Maine in 1975. Seventeen states recognize the honeybee as a state symbol, primarily because they play such an important role in agriculture (by pollinating crops). All State Insects
Maine designated the Chesuncook soil series as the official state soil in 1999; this soil is typical of the northern temperate and cool forested regions of Maine. All State Soils
The name "Chesuncook" originates from a Native American word meaning "converging bodies of water" (Maine’s third-largest lake is also named Chesuncook; located in the Maine Highlands region). Chesuncook soils are deep, well-drained soils that support Maine's vast forests and wilderness areas.
Maine designated American sign language as the official state language of the deaf community in 1991, honoring communication and acceptance of every deafened individual (American sign language is also a symbol of Indiana). All State Languages
Maine designated white pine as the official state tree in 1945. The eastern white pine is the tallest tree in eastern North America. All State Trees
Maine designated tourmaline as the official state gemstone in 1971. All State Gemstones
Tourmaline ranges in color from black or white to vibrant shades of red, green, and blue. Individual crystals can be opaque to transparent and may be single or multi-colored.
The best Maine tourmalines rival tourmaline from world-famous locations in California, Brazil, and the Himalayas. The crystals range in size from microscopic to over a foot long.