Malaysia Animal Stamp; Malaysia Insect Stamp; Malaysia Hologram Stamp

One notable fact about insects is that they are the most diverse groups of animals on earth with the number of species ranging from two million to possibly four million, outnumbering the amount of all other animal species on earth, combined. In Malaysia alone, thousands of insect species exist and the diversity of the insect species in this country is made possible due to the range of habitats and climate in Malaysia.

Insects inhabit a variety of surroundings, both aquatic and terrestrial. Their ability to feed on a variety of plants and animals, makes them the most common of all living things on earth. Insects that are beneficial to humans include those that are edible, provide us honey, wax, silk and various pharmaceutical compounds. Some insects, such as dragonflies, functions as a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem.

Pos Malaysia will issue a set of special stamps and First Day Cover on Insect Stamps. The special stamps and First Day Cover will feature the images of some of the most well known and unique insects in Malaysia.

The stamps, 30mm X 40mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in ‘se-tenant’ and in two denominations, 30sen and 50sen. A distinctive feature in the new stamp collection is the Miniature Sheet, where the image of the Emperor Moth is highlighted with hologram printing with diffraction foil. The Miniature Sheet, 120mm x 70mm in size at RM5.

Lantern Bug (Fulgora pyrorhyncha) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

Lantern flies (or lantern bugs) are very colourful, with yellow, black, red, blue and green markings on their bodies. The most recognizable ones are those that have a prolongation of the head, as in the case of this ‘Fiery-beaked’ Lantern Bug. Several species of Fulgora can be found in Malaysia, both in the understorey of natural forests and in fruit orchards. They are normally found on tree trunks in groups of two or three, but can also be seen individually.



Fruit Bug (Dysdercus cingulatus) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

Bugs are well known pests of cultivated plants, including rice, vegetables and fruits. They are able to defend themselves against predators through a variety of methods including taste, camouflage and colour. Bright colours, as in the case of the Fruit Bug, is usually a warning sign that the bug is distasteful. This species is known to be a pest to cultivated crops such as lady’s fingers (okra).



Valanga Grasshopper (Valanga nigricornis) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

Grasshoppers belong to the order Orthoptera (from the Greek orthos meaning ‘straight’ and pteron for ‘wing’. Generally, the hind legs are large and muscular and are specially developed for jumping. This species is common in cultivated fields and gardens, feeding on a wide range of plants and is treated as a pest. Additionally, this grasshopper is also known to severely attack oil palm and rubber plantations during outbreaks, causing massive defoliation.

Longhorn beetle (Rhaphipodus hopei) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

This species is amongst the biggest longhorn beetles in Malaysia and can be found in hilly areas. The mandibles are straight with rough edges for cutting purposes and the legs are covered with sharp bristles. It is usually found on the bark of dead trees and is confined to forests above 750 metres. Considerable damage is caused annually to valuable timber trees, fruit trees and some cultivated crops by longhorn beetles.



Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi) Stamp

Denomination : RM5

Stamp Size : 50mm x 38.5mm

Interestingly, Malaysia has the largest moth in the world, the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) - possibly the world’s most beautiful butterfly, the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing, the highest number of species of stingless bees in the Asian tropics (about 35 species) and has a species of stick insect, Phobaeticus kirbyi, that is recognised as the longest insect in the world (up to 30 centimetres).

The brightly orange-yellow coloured Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi) (pictured in the Miniature Sheet) has a huge wingspan and is one of the most spectacular moth species in the world. The wings are very hairy and marked with ‘eye-spots’ and the antennae are short and feathered. The caterpillars of this species are colourful, fat and hairy. About 22 species of emperor moths (Antheraea helferi) subsist in Borneo.

Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi) Miniature Sheet

Denomination : RM5

Miniature Sheet Size : 120mm x 70mm