0,35 € - Stamp

Butterflies 2005

Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Family : Papilionidae
Sub-family : Papilioninae

Description: The swallowtail is among the most spectacular and largest of our butterflies. The wings of the female can reach more than 9 cm in size! It is in the tropics that one most frequently sees the Papilioninae sub-family. Mostly in springtime, the butterflies search for higher ground to carry out their famous “hilltopping”, a type of nuptial flight that allows them to find a partner. The flamed variety is an even rarer species that populates northern Europe.

Periods of flight: Two and sometimes three flights from April to September.

Caterpillar hosts : Various types of umbellifers. Pepper saxifrage, wild and garden carrots. The adult caterpillar of the swallowtail is easily recognisable: its dominant colour is a yellowish green with transverse black bands highlighted with points of orange. The caterpillar has no pilosity.

Price of the series: 2,85 €
Photos: Guy Hoffmann, Schifflange
Printing: Offset with stochastic screen by Imprimerie du Timbre, LA POSTE, Malines (B)
Dimensions: 28.00 x 38.40 mm, 20 stamps per sheet

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Competition

PostEurop 2013