Brilliant Bugs Stamp Set

A captivating collection of six Special Stamps celebrating our nation’s diverse population of pollinating insects.

Acclaimed wildlife illustrator Richard Lewington’s beautiful artwork depicts a range of familiar and overlooked species.

The set includes three vertical se-tenant pairs of Special Stamps.

Two First Class, two £1.45 and two £1.70 stamps.

First Class Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum)

This relatively widespread bumblebee feeds on flowers such as the large blue pea.

First Class Painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui)

Thistles are a common source of nectar for these migratory butterflies in Britain.

£1.45 Longhorn beetle (Rutpela maculata)

This wasp-mimicking beetle is a common visitor of hawthorn flowers in summer.

£1.45 Elephant hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor)

Honeysuckle is a favoured source of nectar for this striking species.

£1.70 Marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)

An important pollinator of crops like oilseed rape, it is also often seen in gardens.

£1.70 Ruby-tailed wasp (Chrysis ignita agg.)

The adult ruby-tailed wasp feeds on nectar from flowers such as angelica.

Stamp specifications

• Stamp format Over-square landscape
• Stamp size 36.5mm x 34.7mm
• Design Royal Mail Group Ltd
• Illustrations Richard Lewington
• Printer International Security Printers
• Print process Lithography
• Perforations 14 x 14.5
• Phosphor Bars as appropriate
• Gum PVA