Did you know that Alaska has an official State Insect? No, it's not the mosquito! Or even one of our beautiful butterflies. It's an attractive and beneficial dragonfly, called a Four-spotted Skimmer. That decision was made in 1995, after some strenuous lobbying by students from the elementary school in Aniak. Although it's not one of the biggest or most colorful, it is a common dragonfly, and widespread in the State.

Dragonflies are truly marvels of the natural world. They've been on this earth for about 300 million years, so they must be doing something right. Although some people are afraid of them, they do not bite or sting. Watching them dart through the air, eating mosquitos and other annoying insects, makes you appreciate them. But looking at them up close reveals intricate design that is quite stunning.