Se-tenant Blocks of Four (447,500)*
17p Idea electra electra
17p Charaxes bajula adoracion
17p Tanaecia calliphorus
17p Trogonoptera trojana
*
Original quantity: 437,500 B/4 plus
renegotiated quantity of 10,000, total of 447,500.
Photographer: Catherine Grace Tan
Graphic Artist: Hans Lerwyn Villarica
Design Coordinator:
Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak
Designs: From the collection of Justin "Tiny" Nuyda
First Day Covers: Manila
PHILIPPINE BUTTERFLIES
A veritable paradise for butterfly collectors and nature-lovers, the
PHILIPPINES is home to all the families of Rhopalocera (butterfly)
in the Indo- Australian region. Be one a collector, a nature-lover,
a scientist in pursuit of his calling or a captive adventurer driven
by the spirit of chase, one will encounter, to his satisfaction and
delight, the numerous species found throughout the archipelago.
The epitome of aerial freedom, able to move
through our natural world in three dimensions, and mysterious in
their fantastic transformations from one stage of their life cycle
to the next, butterflies are truly creatures of wonder. Dig into
their world, explore their fascinating adaptations and natural
history, and see what attracts people from all walks of life to
these winged jewels.
Idea
electra electra (Semper, 1878).
A unique species confined to Mindanao. Popularly known as the
"Dragonfly Idea" due to the appearance of the males' elongated
forewings and extra long abdomen.
Charaxes
bajula adoracion (Schroeder & Treadaway, 1982).
Uncommon nymphalid species found in Northern and Central
Luzon. The butterfly was named after writer Adoracion Gaskell Nuyda
for her contributions on pro-environment articles.
Tanaecia
calliphorus calliphorus (Felde, 1864).
Inhabits forested undergrowth areas and can be found in
Luzon, Marinduque and Polilio Island. Can easily be recognized by
the iridiscent blue band on its wings.
Trogonoptera trojana (Honrath, 1886).
This butterfly is an endemic species in Palawan, where it
replaces Trogonoptera brookiana in the rest of Sundaland.
Trogonoptera trojana is considered one of the most beautiful
oriental butterflies.