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Sp.487  Taiwan Fireflies Postage Stamps

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Stamp SN D487
Stamp Name Sp.487  Taiwan Fireflies Postage Stamps
Stamp Cat Standard Special Stamps
Stamp Cat Insects, Education, Environmental Protection
Issue date 2006-05-25
Suspersion date
Dimension of stamps(mm.) 40 × 30(mm)
Size of souvenir Sheet (mm.)
Printer Central Engraving and Printing Plant
Drawer
Designer Hung-tu Ko
Photographer
Engraver
Creative Director
Sheet composition 20 (5 × 4)
Print color Colorful
Process Deep etch offset
Paper Phosphorescent stamp paper
Back
Perforation 13 1/2
Fireflies, a common sight in agricultural society of old, have been greatly reduced in number due to environmental change. In order to raise understanding and appreciation of these tiny fairies that represent "light" and "hope," as well as to build a solid loving foundation for firefly conservation so as to protect these adorable creatures and make sure that later generations will be able to enjoy this precious natural resource, Chunghwa Post is issuing a set of four stamps on fireflies, each of which will have a denomination of NT$5.00. The featured firefly species include Pyrocoelia analis, Diaphanes citrinus, Diaphanes niveus and Diaphanes formosus. The designs of the stamps follow:(1) Pyrocoelia analis: This species is more drought-tolerant than the others. It is the most common firefly found in the plains during spring and fall. They can often be seen in parks and near bushes along mountain roads where there is no light pollution. It is a magnificent sight when they swarm. (2) Diaphanes citrinus: This species emerges in fall, and occasionally at the height of summer. Because its back is all orange, it is called "orange firefly" in Chinese. Males also emit a continuous glow when flying, but they do not swarm. Mainly, it is frequently seen in mountainous areas of low to middle elevation.(3) Diaphanes niveus: This is an endemic species of Taiwan that can be found from October to December each year. The backs of the males are creamy white and are mostly seen in mountainous areas during winter. Consequently, they are called "snow fireflies" in Chinese. In some areas they are numerous, and their swarming is well worth observing.(4) Diaphanes formosus: This species can be found in spring and summer in many mountainous areas of low to middle elevation. They do not swarm and they are attracted to light.
(1) First Day Cover to be sold at NT$2.00 apiece. (2) Folder especially prepared for the stamps to be sold at NT$5.00 apiece. (3) Folder with crystal mount for better protection of the stamps to be sold at NT$5.00 apiece. (4) Loose-leaf stamp album page with plastic cover to be sold at NT$8.00 apiece. (5) Pre-cancelled First Day Cover affixed with a low-valued stamp to be sold at NT$7.00 apiece.(6) Pre-cancelled First Day Cover affixed with a complete set of stamps to be sold at NT$22.00 apiece. To purchase these items, the public can go directly to the post offices, or order on line at https://stamp.post.gov.tw