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Bugs and Butterflies
24 September 2003
150th Anniversary Murray River Shipping
stamp collecting month 2003
Ulysses Butterfly
50c
Bugs and butterfl ies fascinate children (and a
great many adults). This year we are inviting
children to ‘hop into stamps’ with Bugs and
Butterfl ies during Stamp Collecting Month.
In this issue are gummed and self-adhesive
stamps, a miniature sheet, fi rst day covers,
stamp and collector packs and a set of six
maximum cards. There are two issue sheets
each featuring three stamp designs. Thus there
are two gutter strips. There is no special text or
design printed in the gutters.
What is Stamp Collecting Month?
It started in 1993 as a way to introduce children
to the hobby of stamp collecting. First a
theme is developed that is highly attractive
and interesting to children, particularly those
between the ages of eight and twelve. The
theme must also be supported by parents
and encourage educational activities. This is
the tenth Stamp Collecting Month. Previous
themes have included Space, Wild Babies,
The Magic Rainforest, Planet Ocean and
Small Pond.
This issue is illustrated by Graeme Base with
the elaborate detail and hidden images that
characterise his popular, award-winning work.
AA UST
U S T RALI
R A L I A
A UST
U S T RALI
R A L I A
Leichhardt's Grasshopper
A UST
U S T RALI
Green Mantid and Damselfly Emperor Gum Moth Caterpillar
Fiddler Beetle
R A L I A A
A UUST S T RALI R A L I A A
Vedalia Ladybird
50c 50c
50c 50c 50c
Miniature sheet 65% actual size
The stamps
Ulysses butterfl y (Papilio ulysses joesa)
This icon of far north Queensland makes
a spectacular sight, especially when the
butterfl y’s brilliant metallic blue and velvety
black features are seen against the backdrop of
dark rainforest foliage.
Leichhardt’s grasshopper (Petasida
ephippigera)
This is one of Australia’s most brightly
coloured grasshoppers. It is found in the
rugged sandstone country in the Top End
of the Northern Territory.
The adult’s vivid colouring – orange-red,
with royal blue and black patterns – warns
potential predators that this bug may not taste
as good as it looks.
Vedalia ladybird (Rodolia cardinalis)
Their bright colours and contrasting spots
make ladybirds one of the best known beetle
families in Australia.
Most ladybirds are carnivorous. They eat
other insects, including pests such as aphids,
scale insects and mites. Their diet – and being
a sign of good luck to come – makes ladybirds
welcome in any garden.
A UST U S T RALI R A L I A
A UUST S T RALI R A L I A
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