HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1829        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Daniel M. Donahue

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act designating the Black Swallowtail as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts official butterfly  in honor of William P. Callahan III..

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1829        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act designating the Black Swallowtail as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts official butterfly  in honor of William P. Callahan III..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Chapter 2 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 63 the

following section: - 

Section 64. The Black Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio polyxenes, is hereby designated the

official butterfly of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Adorned with striking black wings accented by

yellow spots and blue hindwings, the Black Swallowtail plays a vital role in our ecosystem as a pollinator.

It symbolizes the Commonwealth's commitment to environmental stewardship. 

This butterfly is a symbol of natural beauty and a reminder of Massachusetts' rich agricultural history.

Historically common in farm fields, the Black Swallowtail has adapted to various habitats, including the

many meadows, gardens, and urban areas of Massachusetts. Its selection reflects Massachusetts'

dedication to celebrating and protecting its diverse natural environment. 

This designation is made in honor of William P. Callahan III, alifelong resident of Massachusetts who

passed away from cancer in August of 2021. Billy could be found chasing and photographing butterflies

throughout New England on nearly every sunny day (and even some mildly rainy ones) for the last

decade before his death. An active member of the Massachusetts Butterfly Club, he took a bucket list trip

to Costa Rica with his daughter Cara in June of 2021 to observe the wide variety of species found there. A

bench is named in his honor at the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas. His final excursion was a

walk-through of the Northampton, MA Community Garden, one of his favorite local spots.