The Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), is a native butterfly well-known to Alabama. In 1989 the legislature made the Monarch Butterfly the state insect by Act no. 89-935.

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail became the state mascot and butterfly in 1989 by Act no. 89-676.

The legislation was requested by the Selma City Council. Selma is designated as the Butterfly Capital of Alabama and the Eastern Swallowtail is its mascot.