Illinois State Symbols, pt.2

Last week, we learned about state symbols covering many of the natural wonders found in Illinois.  The following paragraphs describe the state symbols for the animals that have earned recognition.

In the early 1900s, the first forest preserves in the nation were in Chicago setting aside rare habitats that would protect animal and plant diversity.  Over 94% of Illinois land areas are considered rural, including 1.4 million acres of wetlands.  The Illinois State Fish, the Bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, is found in lakes and ponds and was selected by schoolchildren in 1986.  Also known as bream or brim, the name refers to the bright blue gill covers sported by the male. 

The State Amphibian is the Eastern Tiger Salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, the largest terrestrial salamander in Illinois.  This State Amphibian and State Reptile were voted on by citizens in 2004 and approved by the Illinois General Assembly in 2005.  It has a large head and dark body with irregular yellow blotches. It can be found everywhere in the state, although it is uncommon in large agricultural areas. 

There are two reptiles recognized in Illinois.  The State Reptile is the Painted Turtle, Chrysemys picta, a  species found in all aquatic habitats in Illinois.  It is dark olive with yellow, red, or orange markings covering the plastron, forelegs, and both sides of the head.  In addition, we have a State Snake, the Eastern Milk Snake, Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum.  Its body is gray covered with large brown blotches with black borders.  Milk snakes average 24″-43″ long, and live in fields, woodlands, and rocky areas.  When agitated, the snake will vibrate its tail and hiss before striking.  They are constrictors that feed on small mammals.

Pollinator species are important to the agricultural industry.  Plants of all kinds require pollination in order to set seed.  Insects are one of the most important groups of pollinators.  Butterflies, bees, wasps, flies, ants, beetles and many more all feed on nectar offered by plants.  In the process, they collect pollen on their bodies, sometimes to eat and other times inadvertently as they push through the flower to obtain nectar.  Pollen is then transferred to other plants the insect visits.  The State Insect is the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus, chosen by schoolchildren in 1975.  Monarchs lay eggs and feed on many of the state’s native milkweed species.  The butterfly’s orange coloring is a warning to predators not to attempt to eat a monarch which consumes, processes, and stores toxins from milkweed plants for its own defense.

The State Bird is the Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis.  Selected by schoolchildren in 1929, the cardinal beat out several other choices including bluebird, meadowlark, bobwhite, and oriole.  The cardinal, a medium-sized songbird, is known for the males’ bright red feathers.  It prefers the forest edge where it can enjoy both prairie and woodland resources for hunting and shelter, but is often seen in backyards.  The State Animal, White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, also enjoys living along the forest edge.  Selected in 1980, deer have some amazing abilities.  They are able to run at 40 miles per hour and jump over a 9-foot high fence.  They are excellent swimmers, traveling 13 miles-per-hour in the water.  Native Americans and settlers both heavily relied on deer for buckskin clothing and food.

State symbols are representative of items and species that are present in our state.  Take the opportunity to observe these natural wonders on your next outdoor adventure.