Butterflies of Malaysia Stamp

Malaysia has about 1,000 butterfly species and about half of these are restricted to habitats from sea level to 750 metres above sea level. Although some species can be easily seen in parks, gardens and other secondary vegetation, most Malaysian butterflies are forest dwellers. Some butterflies are habitat-specific and exist only in a specific ecosystem type.

Butterflies are generally day-flying insects of the order Lepidoptera, with often colourful wings. Butterflies feed primarily on nectar from flowers and play an important role as one of the major agent of pollination. However, caterpillars are known to destroy crops and they are considered pests in these circumstances. Butterfly viewing is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. Some species are threatened by collection and habitat loss and require protection by law.

30 Sen

Stamp Common rose (Atrophaneura aristolochiae)
Seen in the lowland forests throughout Malaysia, this beautiful butterfly is distasteful to most insectivorous birds and exhibits warning colours. The larvae have thick fleshy tubercles and is grayish red in colour.



30 Sen

Stamp Setenent Smaller Wood Nymph
This butterfly is more commonly found in forested hills and less seen on the plains. It has an attractive wing pattern of dark markings over a light wing base. Males are darker in colour than females and have narrower wings.

Malayan lacewing (Cathosia hypsea hypsina)
Males of this species have a pinkish bloom on the orange area of the upperside of the wing and females are more yellow in colour. Eggs are laid, many at a time and the emerging young larvae are wine-red coloured.

Green dragontail (Lamproptera meges)
With is wings beating rapidly and its long drooping tail: this butterfly books like a dragonfly in flight. Coupled with partly-transparent wings, this species is unlike almost all other butterflies. It is considered vulnerable and in need of protection in Peninsular Malaysia.

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis vulgaris)
This butterfly is common in scrubland and the fringes of forests. It is also found in coastal mangrove areas. Due to certain plants that it feeds on, this species is known to be distasteful to birds.


50 Sen Stamp

Malay red harleguin (Paralaxita damajanti damajanti)
This species lives at moderate elevations on the hills and are usually in dense forests. The females are paler than the males. The underside is beautifully marked with black streaks crossed with metallic blue.


RM1 Stamp

Glorious begum (agatasa calydonia calydonia)
This butterfly is rare in Peninsular Malaysia. It frequents more open forests and is often encountered at low to moderate elevations and are attracted to rotten fruit. The females are larger, paler and have broader wings than males.

Miniature Sheet

Five-bar swordtail (Graphium antiphates)

This species is commonly seen on roads and forest clearings and males are sometimes seen congregating on moist spots. It is known for its swiftness in flight. The larva in its early stages is pure white marked only with thin transverse lines of black or dark green.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 24th April 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen setenent, 50 sen & RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Size : 120mm x 70mm (Die-cut)

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 50mm x 40mm

Stamp Booklet : 30 sen x 10 (RM3)

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography / Glow In The Dark

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design

The Start Online 20 April 2008, Sunday Press Release

KUALA LUMPUR: Pos Malaysia Berhad is introducing a special set of “Butterflies of Malaysia” stamps featuring eight rare and colourful butterfly species.

The stamps will be sold from April 24. They are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in three denominations.
The three stamps featuring the Smaller Wood Nymph and Malayan Lacewing butterfly (30 sen each) are available in se-tenant, the Malay Red Harlequin butterfly (50 sen), and the Glorious Begum butterfly (RM1).

The folder containing the complete set of butterfly stamps in various denominations is priced at RM52.20 and will only be available at selected post offices.

The first-day cover will also be sold on April 24 at RM2.40 while stocks last.

Also available are the Five-bar Swordtail mini sheet at RM5 per piece.

The Limited Edition stamp booklet at RM3.00 each can be purchased at all post offices nationwide.

“This special collection of stamps features some of the most beautiful and colourful butterflies to be found in Malaysia,” said Pos Malaysia managing mirector and group chief executive officer Datuk Idrose Mohamed.

“Through the issuance of philatelic items by Pos Malaysia, we would like to increase the awareness among all Malaysians on the importance of managing the natural environment in a sustainable way to ensure the continued existence of this unique group of animals,” he said.

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