Nevada state bug bill approved

A measure designating the Vivid Dancer Damselfly as Nevada's official state bug was signed into law Monday by Gov. Jim Gibbons.

SB166, by Sen. Joyce Woodhouse, D-Henderson, and Assemblyman Lynn Stewart, R-Henderson, flew through the Legislature after advocates said a contest to choose the bug taught students about teamwork, scientific thinking, deadlines, writing skills, Internet research, state history and the legislative process.

Fourth-grade students from John R. Beatty Elementary school in Las Vegas won the statewide contest to select the 1 1/2-inch-long winged creature and chose it because it is blue and silver, the official state colors of Nevada.