| 04 May 2004 7/2004 |
Commemorative IssueNature of Australia - Rain Forest Butterflies |
Australia |
| This is the final issue in the Nature of Australia definitive series. The series, which started in 1996, has depicted different Australian habitats using illustrations of specific environments that are representative of the habitat and images of the flora and fauna found within the habitat. The series has featured eucalyptus forest, wetlands, coastal and desert habitats. The fifth, and final habitat, rainforest as exemplified by the Wet Tropics in far north Queensland, was introduced with Nature of Australia: Rainforest (February 2003). The butterflies on the stamps are all found in the Daintree region of the Wet Tropics. | ||
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Blue-banded eggfly (Hypolimnas alimena):This vivid blue butterfly occurs in and at the edges of the rainforest, particularly in lowland areas. The species is common north of Rockhampton and extending to Darwin. The male can often be found perched in sunlight, slowly opening and closing his wings |
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Daintree rainforest:At the heart of Queensland |
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Red lacewing (Cethosia cydippe):This large, colourful butterfly occurs from Cape York to Townsville. The adults |
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Cruiser (Vindula arsinoe):This butterfly occurs only in north-eastern Australia and is common in the Wet Tropics. It has a strong, gliding flight and feeds on lantana and other flowers. The stamp depicts the more colourful male cruiser with its predominantly orange upperside with black markings. The slightly larger and drabber female is brown. |