This Fascinating Indiana Fact Completely Caught Me Off Guard
I love stumbling across random Indiana facts that somehow escaped me for decades.
This was one of them.
Until today, I had no idea Indiana even had an official state insect.
I definitely did not know it was named after a scientist who once lived in Southern Indiana.
Or that there's an entire festival celebrating it.
Turns out, all three are true.
Indiana's State Insect is Say's Firefly
Indiana's official state insect is Say's Firefly, a species first discovered in 1826 by pioneering naturalist Thomas Say while he was living in New Harmony.
Say is often referred to as the "father of American entomology" because of his groundbreaking work studying insects throughout the United States.
His description of the firefly nearly 200 years ago eventually led to the insect becoming Indiana's official state insect, giving the Hoosier State one of the most unique state symbols in the country.
New Harmony Celebrates That History Every Summer
That discovery is the inspiration behind New Harmony's annual Firefly Festival, which celebrates both the remarkable natural light show that appears each summer and the community's scientific history.
As evening falls, thousands of fireflies emerge around the historic town, creating one of the most enchanting sights of the season.
The festival includes:
- Guided trips to view the fireflies
- Food vendors
- Live music
- Family activities
- Glow-themed crafts and dance party
- A theatrical presentation featuring Thomas Say
The event takes place Saturday, June 27, at the Antheneum Visitor Center and admission is free.
Read More: You Might Be Surprised to Learn Indiana's State Drink
One of Indiana's Most Fascinating State Symbols
Indiana has an official bird, flower, tree, and even an official drink.
Adding an official insect to that list somehow flew completely under my radar.
The fact that it traces back to a scientist living right here in the Tri-state makes it even more interesting.
Whether or not you make it to the Firefly Festival this year, it's a fun piece of Hoosier trivia to pull out the next time someone asks what Indiana is known for.
Chances are, they won't guess the answer is a glowing little beetle named after a man from New Harmony.
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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals