Butterflies 1991 Definitives

Single $1.00 'Forest Ringlet (Dodonidia helmsii)' gummed stamp.

The Forest Ringlet is the most vividly coloured of all New Zealand butterflies. It has a wingspan ranging from 40-60mm and its flight is jaunty and fast. It lives in forested localities in the North Island and in the north of the South Island. Its favourite food plants are forest sedges and forest snowgrasses.

Issued 6 November 1991. The initial printings were by Leigh-Mardon with subsequent reprints by The House of Questa. The stamp also appeared in a trial Airpost booklet in 1995, printed by Southern Colour Print. 

Single $2.00 'Southern Blue (Zizina otis oxleyi)' gummed stamp.

The Southern Blue is one of the smallest and most abundant of New Zealand butterflies. This species prefers warm, dry places less than 1,000 metres above sea level and it can be found east of the Southern Alps and in North Canterbury. The Southern Blue has a wingspan of between 20-27mm and its flight is weak and stuttering. It flies just above ground level with frequent stops.

Issued 6 November 1991
First two printings produced by Leigh-Mardon, third printing produced by The House of Questa.

Single $3.00 'Yellow Admiral (Bassaris itea)' gummed stamp.

The Yellow Admiral is found throughout New Zealand. It prefers open country, wastelands and gardens where stinging nettle - this species' first choice of food plant - has become established. The Yellow Admiral is often seen flying with the slightly larger Red Admiral. With a wingspan of 48-55mm, the Yellow Admiral is a strong flier.

Issued 6 Novermber 1991
First three printings produced by Leigh-Mardon, fourth printing produced by The House of Questa.

Single $4.00 'Common Copper (Lycaena salustius)' gummed stamp. Issued 25 January 1995

The common copper is found only in New Zealand. This butterfly feeds off the Muehlenbeckia creeper, and will often be found wherever that plant grows, as well as in coastal areas and open spaces throughout New Zealand.

Red Admiral (Bassaris gonerilla) - $5.00 gummed stamp. Issued 25 January 1995.

This spectacular butterfly is found throughout New Zealand in the summer months. The host plant, and favoured food of the Red Admiral, is the native stinging nettle or ongaonga. But because its supply has been much reduced, it can also be seen feeding from the sap of tree bark. The Maori name for this butterfly is Kahukura, meaning rainbow or red garment.