The
Stamp
The stamp comes from the second
in Royal Mail's new nature series, 'Action for Species' concentrates on
insects. The series examines UK species that are endangered, but thanks
to the efforts of conservation groups and the public, are now on the way
to recovery. The issue comprises of ten 1st class stamps in a se-tenant
block featuring UK insect species that are endangered. The insects featured
were short listed by experts from the Natural History Museum, the Zoological
Society of London and British Trust for Conservation and specimens were
photographed at the Natural History Museum's studios. Each stamp features
a photograph of the insect together with its common and scientific name.
Initial selling price 36p each.
Southern Damselfly, Coenagrion mercuriale
This delicate species resembles several
other closely related, far commoner blue damselflies, but its habitat requirements
are specific. It only occurs near streams on open heathland and less often
chalk, with a relatively high constant temperature. It is on the north-western
edge of its range in Europe but the loss of suitable habitat by shading
out, drainage and nutrient enrichment have contributed to its decline in
the past 40 years. Rare |