2011 - Hawk Moth

Guernsey Post is pleased to announce the release of its latest Alderney stamp issue which features the Hawk-moth (release date 23 February 2011).

Complementing previous stamp issues depicting Alderney’s wide range of insects, the Hawk-moth collection has been illustrated by renowned international artist Petula Stone and features hawk-moths which can be seen on the island.

There are nine British resident species and seven can be found on Alderney- three of which are featured in this latest collection: the Elephant Hawk-moth (36p), the Poplar (50p) and the Privet (80p).

Stamps featuring Hawk-moths which reach Alderney after migrating hundreds of miles from Africa are the Hummingbird Hawk (45p), the Convolvulus Hawk (48p) and the Striped Hawk (58p).

David Wedd of Alderney Wildlife Trust, who assisted Guernsey Post with its stamp issue said:

“Hawk-moths are arguably some of the most spectacular of all moths and their streamlined wings and bodies are perfectly adapted for rapid flight. The ability of some species to hover enables them to use their long tongues to sip nectar from deep flowers.

“There are about 1,400 species of Hawk-moth around the world and some play a unique role in the pollination of plants: some orchids have evolved to be pollinated solely by hawk-moths - and if the moth becomes extinct, so too will the plants.”

Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post commented:

“I am absolutely thrilled with our stamps.  Petula Stone’s illustrations capture these creatures beautifully and, whilst most of these Hawk-moths fly at night, by depicting island scenes in the background she has created a unique set which fits perfectly into our Invertebrates collection.”

Date of Issue: 23 February 2011
Designer: Petula Stone
Printer: BDT International
Process: Offset lithography
Stamp Size: 30.56 deep x 38mm wide
Souvenir sheet size: 100m deep x 140mm wide
Paper: 110gsm unwatermarked PVA adhesive
Sheet: 10
Perforation: 13.75
Cylinder: A