The most beautiful butterflies on postage stamps

Four stamps depict the most beautiful butterfly species native to Central and South America. The latest philatelic series from Poczta Polska was officially launched on October 8th of this year at the Warsaw Zoo. At the same time, a new attraction for visitors to the Warsaw Zoo opened – an exhibition of exotic butterflies, which – due to the short lifespan of these beautiful insects – will last only until October 25th of this year. Hurry and see!

By issuing butterfly stamps, Poczta Polska aims to draw attention to the problem of endangered species. As part of its corporate social responsibility, the company's philatelic publications remind us of important historical events, figures, and socially relevant topics. Insect populations, particularly the highly sensitive butterflies, are declining worldwide, not only in the Amazon rainforest due to deforestation, but also in Poland. By planting plants favored by butterflies, we can contribute to rebuilding their populations. Such plants include raspberries, crocus, chamomile, and mint.

The stamps' designer, Andrzej Gosik, depicted four butterflies native to South and Central America: Morpho Portis, Morpho Helena, Donaus Plexippus, and Agrias Narcissus. The commemorative stamps, with a circulation of 168,000 each, entered circulation on October 8th. In addition to the stamps, Poczta Polska issued a limited edition of First Day of Circulation (FDC) envelopes. These feature illustrations of butterfly wings.

The commemorative stamps were introduced into circulation on October 8th of this year during a conference attended by Mateusz Wodejko, Vice President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska, and Dr. Andrzej G. Kruszewicz, Director of the Warsaw Zoo. The stamp launch ceremony marked the opening of a new attraction at the Warsaw Zoo, which welcomed new residents – fabulously beautiful butterflies. The Invertebrate Pavilion will host a two-week exhibition entitled "Butterflies of Vanishing Jungles – Fleeting Beauty." Visitors will be able to view eight species of exotic butterflies from various regions of the world. The exhibition is an autumn gift to Warsaw Zoo guests from the PANDA Foundation, which has been offering visitors the opportunity to admire butterflies for the third time in a row.

The Zoo's new inhabitants have already begun hatching. A special incubator has been installed in the Invertebrate Pavilion, allowing you to watch the inconspicuous pupae transform into colorful butterflies. However, butterflies have a short lifespan, so it's worth taking advantage of the opportunity and visiting the Warsaw Zoo between October 8th and 25th.

There are approximately 150,000 species of butterflies in the world, over 3,000 of which are in Poland. They occur on every continent except Antarctica. They are among the most evolutionarily advanced insects.

About the stamp:

Author of stamp designs: Andrzej Gosik
Number of stamps: 4
Value: PLN 3.30 each
Mintage: 168,000 pieces of each stamp
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 45 x 45 mm
Sales sheet: 8 stamps
Paper: fluorescent
Date of introduction into circulation: October 8, 2020

This and other philatelic publications of Poczta Polska can be purchased at post offices and online store: www.filatelistyka.poczta-polska.pl .