Insects Series IIII Stamp

Insects - Series III

Insects inhibit a variety of surroundings, both aquatic and terrestrial. In addition to that, their ability to feed on a variety of plants and animals makes them the most common of all living things on earth. Insects that are beneficial to humans include those that are edible, provide us honey, wax, silk and various pharmaceutical compounds. Some insects such as dragonflies, functions as a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem. However, insects are also pests in agriculture and some species are vectors of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue. Common household insects in Malaysia include cockroaches, ants, flies, mosquitoes and butterflies and grasshoppers in gardens.

Although the estimated number of species of insects on earth may range between 2 to 4 million species, actual number of species living in Malaysia is indeterminate. Some types of insects have been extensively studied for biomedical reasons and we know that Malaysia has at least 434 species of mosquitoes. This diversity is due to the fact that our tropical climate is very conducive to their breeding.

The diversity and uniqueness of Malaysia's insects warrant attention and requires us to ensure that their habitats are managed in a sustainable way for their continued existence, especially those of global significance.

30 sen Setenent

Lanternfly (Fulgora pyrorhyncha)

Lantern flies (lantern bugs) are very colourful with yellow, black, red, blue and green markings on their bodies. The most recognizable ones are those that have a prolongation of the head, as in the cased of this "Fiery-beaked" Lantern Bug. Several species of the Fulgora can be found in Malaysia, both in the understorey of natural forests and in fruit orchards. They are normally found on tree trunks in groups of two or three but can also be seen individually.

Cotton Stainer (Dysdercus cingulatus)

These bugs are well known pest of cultivated plants including rice, vegetables and fruits.. They are able to defend themselves against predators through a variety of methods including repulsive taste, camouflage and colour. Bright colours as in the case of Fruit Bugs is usually a warning sign that the bug is distasteful. This species is know to be a pest to cultivated crops such as lady's fingers (okra).

50 sen Setenent

Shorthorned Grasshopper (Valanga nigricornis)

Grasshoppers belong to the order Orthoptera (from the Greek word orthos meaning "straight" and ptera for "wing". Generally the hind legs are large and muscular and are specially developed for jumping. This species is common in cultivated fields and gardens, feeding on a wide range of plants and are treated as pests. Additionally, this grasshopper is also known to severely attack oil palm and rubber plantations during outbreaks, causing massive defoliation.

Longhorned Beetle (Rhaphipodus hopei)

This species is amongst the biggest longhorn beetles in Malaysia and can be found in hilly areas. The mandibles are straight with rough edges for cutting purposes and the legs are covered with sharp bristles. It is usually found on the bark of dead trees and is confined to forests above 750 metres above sea level. Considerable damage is caused annually to valuable timber trees, fruit trees and some cultivated crops by longhorn beetles.

Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi)

Interestingly, Malaysia has the largest moth in the world, the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) - possibly the world's most beautiful butterfly, the Rajah Brooke's Birdwing, the highest number of species of stingless bees in the Asian tropics (about 35 species) and has a species of stick insect, Phobaeticus kirbyi, that is recognised as the longest insect in the world (up to 30 centimetres).

The brightly orange-coloured Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi) is one of the most spectacular moth species in the world. The wings are very hairy and marked with "eye-spots" and the antennae are short and feathered. The caterpillars of this species are colourful, fat and hairy. About 22 species of Emperor Moths subsist on Borneo Island.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 7-Jul-2007

Denomination : 50 Sen ( Se-tenant ), 30 sen ( Se-tenant )

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Perforation : 14

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Diffraction Foil & Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Hazel Design

First Day Cover Value : 30 sen

Presentation Pack Value :RM 4.00

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 5.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 5 July 2007, Thursday Press Release

INSECT STAMPS AND FIRST DAY COVER TO CONVEY THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

Pos Malaysia will issue a set of special stamps and First Day Cover on Insect Stamps – Series IIII on 7 July 2007. The special stamps and First Day Cover will feature the images of some of the most well known and unique insects in Malaysia.

One notable fact about insects is that they are the most diverse groups of animals on earth with the number of species ranging from two million to possibly four million, outnumbering the amount of all other animal species on earth, combined. In Malaysia alone, thousands of insect species exist and the diversity of the insect species in this country is made possible due to the range of habitats and climate in Malaysia.

Insects inhabit a variety of surroundings, both aquatic and terrestrial. Their ability to feed on a variety of plants and animals, makes them the most common of all living things on earth. Insects that are beneficial to humans include those that are edible, provide us honey, wax, silk and various pharmaceutical compounds. Some insects, such as dragonflies, functions as a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem.

“Though they may be small and some are virtually unseen by the naked eye, these tiny but mighty creatures exists at the heart of a healthy environment and perform a vast number of functions to support our ecosystem. The insect species featured in the third series of Insect Stamps are some of the most remarkable and fascinating species in Malaysia that exist in a variety of habitats such as natural forests, orchards and plantations, and I’m proud to note that some of the insects featured in the stamps have attained global significance due to their uniqueness,” said YBhg Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Managing Director of Pos Malaysia.

“The world had recently celebrated World Environment Day on June 5th, and we would like to remind our customers and all Malaysians on the importance of ensuring that the natural environment is managed in a sustainable way to ensure the continued existence of this unique group of animals. Pos Malaysia have always been in support of the initiatives in conserving the environment and through the production of our stamps and other philatelic items we hope to be able to convey the positive message to our public in addition to enhancing their knowledge on our natural world, ” Dato’ Idrose added.

The stamps, 30mm X 40mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in ‘se-tenant’ and in two denominations, 30sen and 50sen, featuring the following :

• 30sen : Lantern Bug / Serangga Tanglung (Fulgora pyrorhyncha)
  Lantern flies (or lantern bugs) are very colourful, with yellow, black, red, blue and green markings on their bodies. The most recognizable ones are those that have a prolongation of the head, as in the case of this ‘Fiery-beaked’ Lantern Bug. Several species of Fulgora can be found in Malaysia, both in the understorey of natural forests and in fruit orchards. They are normally found on tree trunks in groups of two or three, but can also be seen individually.
  



• 30sen : Fruit Bug / Pianggang Perosak Buah (Dysdercus cingulatus)
  Bugs are well known pests of cultivated plants, including rice, vegetables and fruits. They are able to defend themselves against predators through a variety of methods including taste, camouflage and colour. Bright colours, as in the case of the Fruit Bug, is usually a warning sign that the bug is distasteful. This species is known to be a pest to cultivated crops such as lady’s fingers (okra).
  



• 50sen : Valanga Grasshopper / Belalang Kunyit (Valanga nigricornis)
  Grasshoppers belong to the order Orthoptera (from the Greek orthos meaning ‘straight’ and pteron for ‘wing’. Generally, the hind legs are large and muscular and are specially developed for jumping. This species is common in cultivated fields and gardens, feeding on a wide range of plants and is treated as a pest. Additionally, this grasshopper is also known to severely attack oil palm and rubber plantations during outbreaks, causing massive defoliation.
  



• 50sen : Longhorn beetle / Kumbang Sesungut Panjang (Rhaphipodus hopei)
  This species is amongst the biggest longhorn beetles in Malaysia and can be found in hilly areas. The mandibles are straight with rough edges for cutting purposes and the legs are covered with sharp bristles. It is usually found on the bark of dead trees and is confined to forests above 750 metres. Considerable damage is caused annually to valuable timber trees, fruit trees and some cultivated crops by longhorn beetles.

A distinctive feature in the new stamp collection is the Miniature Sheet, where the image of the Emperor Moth is highlighted with hologram printing with diffraction foil. The Miniature Sheet, 120mm x 70mm in size at RM5, features :

• Emperor Moth / Rama-rama Emperor (Antheraea helferi)
  Interestingly, Malaysia has the largest moth in the world, the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) - possibly the world’s most beautiful butterfly, the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing, the highest number of species of stingless bees in the Asian tropics (about 35 species) and has a species of stick insect, Phobaeticus kirbyi, that is recognised as the longest insect in the world (up to 30 centimetres).
  The brightly orange-yellow coloured Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi) (pictured in the Miniature Sheet) has a huge wingspan and is one of the most spectacular moth species in the world. The wings are very hairy and marked with ‘eye-spots’ and the antennae are short and feathered. The caterpillars of this species are colourful, fat and hairy. About 22 species of emperor moths (Antheraea helferi) subsist in Borneo.

First Day Cover at 30sen each and Presentation Pack at RM4.00 each, can be purchased at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each is only available at selected post offices.

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