By: Oakley H.R. No. 821 73R11851 SRD-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized 1-2 certain terrestrial forms indigenous to the state as official state 1-3 symbols; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, the mockingbird, the 1-5 topaz, and the palmwood are examples of some natural specimens that 1-6 serve to symbolize the rich diversity of the plains, forests, 1-7 skies, and mountains of our vast state; and 1-8 WHEREAS, The Ladybug for Texas Committee, comprising the 1-9 students of Rooms 4, 5, and 7, fifth grade classes of Lakeside 1-10 School in Plainview, has determined that the ladybug is a 1-11 significant protector of our state's rich agricultural economy; and 1-12 WHEREAS, The ladybug is an important natural enemy of aphids, 1-13 scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites and is often effective 1-14 in controlling these crop- and garden-destroying pests; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Of the 4,000 species of ladybugs in the world, 370 1-16 are found in North America, and the Australian ladybug, Rodilia 1-17 cardinalis, is the most common species found in Texas, having been 1-18 imported to the state in 1888 to help control the cottony-cushioned 1-19 scale insect; and 1-20 WHEREAS, The ladybug has long distinguished itself as a 1-21 natural alternative to pesticides, and its contributions in pest 1-22 eradication and the preservation of Texas' bountiful natural 1-23 resources indeed merit special recognition; now, therefore, be it 1-24 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas 2-1 Legislature hereby recommend that the ladybug be designated the 2-2 State Insect of Texas; and, be it further 2-3 RESOLVED, That the Ladybug for Texas Committee be commended 2-4 for its initiative in promoting the designation of the ladybug as 2-5 the official state insect.