Wander the magnificent rainforests and gardens of Niue and you’re sure to see some amazing plant and animal life – from orchids, hibiscus, frangipani and bougainvillea to parakeets, white-tailed terns, weka and other exotic birds. Darting amongst them you’ll see kaleidoscopes of beautiful butterflies, adding to the brilliant diversity of this eco-tourism paradise.
Issue information
As a celebration of Niue’s natural beauty, you’re invited to acquire your own collection of butterfly-themed stamp collectables. Featuring three of Niue’s most eye-catching specimens, the collection includes a stunning miniature sheet with an innovative design that brings the butterfly theme to life.
$1.40 – Pepe Hypolimnas bolina
Hypolimnas bolina is commonly known as the great eggfly, the blue moon butterfly and the common eggfly. The male of the species (shown on this stamp) has jet black wings offset with white spots surrounded by purple iridescence, while the female’s wings are brownish black with no spots.
$1.70 – Pepe Junonia villida
The male and female of the meadow arcus (Junonia villida) have a similar appearance – most notably in having two blue ‘eyespots’ on their wings. These are a defence mechanism the butterflies use to either frighten predators away or confuse them into thinking that the eyespots are the target. This enables the butterfly to escape with only a small part of its wing being lost.
$2.40 – Pepe Hypolimnas antilope
Hypolimnas antilope is another of the more than 20 species of eggfly. Like Hypolimnas bolina, they lay their eggs in large batches on the upper surface of leaves, then form a protective umbrella over them to shield them from predators. They stay in this position until the eggs hatch and the tiny caterpillars have dispersed several days later.
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 7 July 2010 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Three |
| Denominations: | $1.40, $1.70, $2.40 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day cover designed by: | Stamps & Collectables Business, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Southern Colour Print, Dunedin, New Zealand |
| Number of colours: | Four |
| Stamp size and format: | 40mm x 30mm (horizontal), 25mm x 30mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25. Perforation gauge: 14 |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until close of business 6 July 2011 |