Niue Blue Butterfly

The recently discovered Niue Blue is the only endemic butterfly species found on the remote Pacific island of Niue. 

This special butterfly was found on the island in 2009 by Australian Museum Research Associate Rob Lachlan. In 2012 he described the species from a pair of specimens and named it Nacaduba niueensis.

As there is only a handful of plant and animal species that are unique to Niue, this new discovery has particular importance for the people of the island. In fact, the Premier of Niue has named the species Niue’s national butterfly.

To celebrate the exciting discovery of this new species, Niue is featuring the Niue Blue on a set of stamps.

The set of four gummed stamps features both the upperside and underside of the male and female of the species.

This rather small brown butterfly cannot be confused with any other species occurring on the island of Niue. The upperside is brown in both sexes, with a scattering of blue scales at the base of the wings in some female specimens, whilst the underside has an intricate pattern of wavy brown, dark brown and white lines.

A miniature sheet and two first day covers are also available, which complement the scientific style of the stamps. The first day covers zoom in on this unique butterfly, showing the distinctive markings on the butterfly’s wings.