New Zealand is home to 35 recognised species of Daphne moth. These insects are colourful and day-flying. Found as high as 2,000 metres above sea-level, Daphne moths really do define New Zealand’s dynamic topography, coastline and geological features and epitomise country’s picturesque and varied landscapes. New Zealand Post released six beautiful stamps depicting such species of Daphne moth as Notoreas blax, Notoreas casanova, Notoreas edwardsi, Notoreas mechanitis and two representatives of Notoreas new species.
Notoreas blax is the Western alpine Daphne moth flies in bright sunshine between January and March, keeping low to the ground to avoid being swept away from its exposed and dynamic habitat beneath New Zealand’s loftiest peaks. Notoreas casanova was discovered in 1982. It is only known to inhabit Tiwai Peninsula, Fortrose Spit and Three Sisters Sand Dune. Notoreas edwardsi was first described in 2010 by Brian Patrick and Robert J.B. Hoare. It was named in honour of Eric Edwards.
Notoreas mechanitis is a black-and-white-striped, yellow-to-orange South Island alpine Daphne moth. It has been found at Mount Arthur, Mount Hutt, Ben Lomond, the Hunter Mountains, at Shotover Saddle and Mount Eostre in Otago. The Wellington coastline’s sand dunes, gravel beaches and rocky headlands are all inhabited by an undescribed but distinctive species of Daphne moth. And Kaitorete Spit Daphne moth resides on Canterbury coastline south of Christchurch.
See also other insect stamps.
