19 July 2024
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Romfilatelia has released a special stamp set on the theme of ladybirds, of which there are over 6,000 species worldwide, approximately 100 of those can be found in Romania itself.
Romafilatelia’s Ladybird stamp release
The set contains a set of 4 postage stamps which show 4 different species of ladybird: Cheilomenes sexmaculata septempunctata (41.60), Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata (51), Sospita vigintiguattata (131) and Harmonia axyridis var. axyridis (221). These species have been selected due to their characteristics which make them stand out, including their colouring and shapes.
Above: The new set from Romfilatelia contains 4 stamps featuring different species of ladybird
The Ladybirds collection is available to purchase now from Romfilatelia, with prices starting at £7.77 plus shipping for a set of 4 stamps. The collection also includes a First Day Cover, Maxi cards and sheetlets. The sheetlets include a depiction of the most common type of ladybird in Romania, red with either 2 or 7 black spots. Also included in this release is a philatelic folder which has a limited print run and comes with a block of the 4 stamps in this issue as well as a First Day postmark.
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Why are ladybirds so important?
Ranging from 0.8mm to 2.8mm long, ladybird species have many different colourations, including the well-known red and black dotted pattern, which is most common in Romania.
Above: The species of ladybird depicted have been chosen due to their characteristics and markings which make them stand out
Along with appreciation for their appearance, ladybirds are invaluable in agriculture and horticulture because they feed on various plant pests including aphids and plant lice. Ladybirds also eat mites, turtle lice and some caterpillars, because of this they are considered to be an aid in ecological agriculture, substituting the use of insecticides. In turn, ladybirds are prey to various creatures such as ants, spiders and birds. Ladybirds can be attracted to areas that need protecting from pests by the presence of certain plants including angelica, primrose, bluebells, mint and sea lavender.
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In popular tradition, ladybirds are considered a symbol of good luck and they are reproduced as mǎrţişoare (March amulets), for the Romanian festival of Spring. They are also some of the most well-known and beloved insects in the world. In some countries the translation of their name is associated with the Virgin Mary, this connection comes from the popular red colour of the ladybird which is associated with the red mantle worn by many depictions of the Virgin Mary.
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