Exploring Arkansas State Symbols: Whitetailed Deer and, More

Every state in the United States has a state symbol. It's typically something that best represents the state where people choose to live. Did you know there are over 20 state symbols in Arkansas? Some we already knew, others not so much.

Let's look at some of Arkansas' state symbols you may already know about or not.

Animals and Insects

State Bird - The Mockingbird (1929)

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The Mockingbird, one of the best-recognized birds in the South, does not migrate and can sing for hours. Four other states including Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas have named the mockingbird their state bird too.

State Butterfly - aka Diana Fritillary (2007)

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The Diana fritillary is a rather large butterfly with a huge wingspan, it's known as one of the most spectacular of 134 species in Arkansas. In Greek mythology, Diana was the goddess of light and life.

State Mammal - White-tailed Deer (1993)

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Arkansas is one of eleven states that have chosen the white-tailed deer as an official state symbol. The White-tailed deer has been a local favorite for hunters for years with a vast array of forests and woodlands in Arkansas, it has become a natural food source during hunting season.

State Insect - Honeybee (1973)

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Arkansas has long been a honey-producing state which is why the honeybee was chosen as a state emblem joining 15 other states including Oklahoma and Tennessee designating it as the official state insect.

State Dinosaur - Arkansaurus fridayi (2017)

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A dinosaur with a funny name, "Arkansaurus" became the official state dinosaur in 2017. This dinosaur was discovered in Lockesburg, Arkansas, and is a relative of the ornithomimosaur Nedcolbertia species.

Other Official State Symbols in Arkansas

State Flower - Apple Blossom (1901)
State Nut - Pecan (2009)
State Tree - Pine (1939)
State Grape - Cynthiana (2009)
State Fruit and Vegetable - Tomato (1987)
State Grain - Rice (2007)
State Beverage: Milk - (1985)
State Mineral - Quartz (1967)
State Rock - Bauxite (1967)
State Gem - Diamond (1967)
State Historic Cooking Vessel - Dutch Oven (2001)
State Musical Instrument - Fiddle (1985)

See the complete list of Arkansas State Symbols here.

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Recently, a bill was introduced to the Arkansas Senate Committee to name the mallard duck the official state duck of Arkansas. If this bill passes, could the mallard duck join the list next?