Singapore, Joint Issue

Butterflies are possibly the best loved insects. They are fascinating by their lifecycle, feeding habits and vibrant colours. Butterflies belong to the distinctive order of insects known as Lepidoptera. There are more than 140,000 species of Lepidoptera, of which 20,000 are butterflies, while the rest are moths. The present joint issue with Sweden in 1999 features butterflies found in the two countries.

Please note the difference between the first stamp in this series and the first stamp in the below souvenir sheet. The individual stamp has No Value Indicated, but is intended for LOCAL ADDRESSES ONLY, whereas the first stamp in the souvenir sheet carries the surface value of 22 cents. All stamps have the Singapore Lion Logo printed on them in black, and the tablet on each stamp mentions the designer's name: Olöf Baldursdottir.

The Inachis io (Linneaeus, 1758), also affectionately known as The Peacock, hibernates over winters in outhouses and hollow trees.

The caterpillar is black spotted with white and has shining back and sides. Its distribution occurs throughout Europe extending across temperate Asia.

Scott # 903

The Junonia orithya wallacei (Distant 1883), commonly known as the Blue Pansy, can be considered the pretties of the Pansies. The male is more attractive than the female with its brilliantly coloured wings. Occurring generally on grassy patches n the roadside and in open spaces, it is widely distributed from Sri Lanka and India, to South China and most of South East Asia and Australia.

Scott # 904

Hypolimnas bolina (Linnaeus 175) or the Great Egg-Fly, is highly variable in its colours and patterns, especially in the females. It is common on flowers in gardens, in secondary growths and on the forest edge. It has strong flight, flying high at times ad participates in migratory flights. This species is widely distributed throughout the the Indo-Australian region and at Madagascar.

Scott # 905

The Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) or the Red Admiral, is a beautiful migrant that frequently visits Sweden. It arrives from the south in early spring and deposits its eggs in the nettle. It is so often seen feasting on fallen rotten fruit. Its distribution occurs throughout Europe extending into North Africa, Asia and North America.

Scott # 906