State Amphibian Legislation

For years we have been asking that the state of Ohio adopt the Spotted Salamander as the official state amphibian. HB 57 reads:

Sec. 5.033. The salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, commonly known as the spotted salamander, is the official amphibian of the state.

This is simple and to the point. I just became aware that the Senate has come up with a different version. SB 81 reads:

Sec. 5.033. The salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, commonly known as the spotted salamander, is the official amphibian of the state.

Sec. 5.034. The frog, Rana catesbeiana, commonly known as the bullfrog, is the official frog of the state.

This additional line contradicts the first if you consider that a frog is also an amphibian.

So the question of biological systematics is one issue. How many layers of organisms rise to the rank of state symbol? If there is a state mammal, should there also be a state carnivore, state herbivore? There are probably no real or presumed guidelines for the systematics. Perhaps we should begin a campaign for another state insect, since the ladybug is a beetle; we could have a state dragonfly and a state damselfly. Within the damselfly category we could have a state jewelwing, a state spreadwing, a state pond damsel, a state bluet, a state sprite and an official state forktail.

But the argument is not about the various classifications that should be allowed. The question is which organism best serves to represent the qualities we value in Ohio. Do we want the omnivorous bullfrog that shows no preference for quality, just because it is big, or just because it may be the only frog that is known to the masses? Or do we prefer the spotted salamander to represent our natural environment as a delicate and precious balance worthy of our protection and appreciation?