Swiss insects

Stamp definitives

A Swiss Post set of definitives that spotlights insects was issued on 17 September 2002. Until far into modern times, cicada larvae, May beetles and grasshoppers were all an important dietary supplement in Europe, particularly for poorer segments of the population. Industry too might have developed differently without insects because, until the end of the 19th century, the whole tanning industry would have been unthinkable without gall from the gall wasp, Cynips gallae tinctoriae. And science and research would have to have gone down different paths because genetics, which has become such a power in the modern world, would be inconceivable without its familiar, the vinegar-fly Drosophila.

10c Emeror Dragonfly

The Anax imperator is one of our most impressive dragonflies and is found at lower attitudes around stagnant waters. This tireless, acrobatic flier can catch even fast flying insects with incredible skill and precision. It is also helped by the fact that its large, compound eyes give the emperor dragonfly the keenest sight in the insect world. Anax imperator lives for one year in the water as a larva, feeding on all kinds of minute creatures.

20c Dark green fritillary

Mesoacidalia aglaja is found almost everywhere in Europe, usually at the edges of woods, in forest meadows and pastures up to the tree line. It seeks out mainly yellow and blue composites, such as elecampane, ox-eye daisies and thistles. The caterpillar lives on various types of violet, feeding on their leaves. It pupates on the ground in a cocoon which it prepares for itself in moss or grass.

50c Rosalia long-horn beetle

Rosalia alpina is one of the most attractive but, unfortunately also one of the rarest beetles found in Switzerland. Natural beech woods on chalk-rich soil provide its habitat. The female lays her eggs in sunny spots in crevices in dead or decaying copper beech trees, where the larvae develop. Following the intensification of forestry management, this magnificent beetle has now become extremely rare and must be considered as being threatened with extinction everywhere in Europe.

100c Tree bug

People tend to associate the world bug with bed bugs, forgetting that all other native species of bugs are harmless to humans. The striped Graphosoma lineatum shown here is a member of the shield bug family which suck out the sap of various plants. It feeds on umbellifers and may be found in large numbers in war, natural meadows. If this bug feels threatened in any way, it secretes a foul-smelling liquid.
Issue: Switzerland, 17 September 2002

More information

Expo02 miniature sheet

Pro Patria 2002