Alderney Beetles

For immediate release   26 February 2013

Guernsey Post announces the release of its latest Alderney stamps which depict some of the beetles that can be found in the island (issued 20 February).

Beautifully illustrated by renowned international artist Petula Stone, the stamps feature different species of beetle which may be encountered whilst walking in Alderney.

"Alderney boasts a great number of beetles as the island has an impressive range of habitats over a very concentrated area.  Whilst many are inconspicuous, the beetles chosen for the stamps are distinctive insects," said David Wedd of the Alderney Wildlife Trust.

The beetles depicted are the beautiful Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata), which is often clearly visible on flower heads during the summer (39p); the Burying - or Sexton - Beetle (Nicrophorus genus) - 52p - which is drawn to the corpses of small mammals at night by sulphur chemicals given off during decay; and the highly attractive Green Tiger (Cicindela campestris - 53p), seen on sunny days in most coastal areas of Alderney.

The large May Bug or Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) is rarely seen by day, but at night it is a regular visitor to lighted windows and is recognised by its loud buzzing and clumsy flight (59p).

A reasonably large beetle which resembles a black version of its close relative the Rose Chafer, Netocia morio (69p) is not uncommon in Alderney yet is unknown in the UK.

Completing the set is the Oil Beetle (Meloe genus).  Numbers are declining rapidly in the UK but the Oil Beetle remains common in Alderney (74p).

Bridget Yabsley, philatelic marketing co-ordinator at Guernsey Post commented:-

"Alderney's landscape is home to possibly more than a thousand species of beetle.  We are delighted to feature some of the beetles which can be found in Alderney and, once again, Petula Stone's illustrations have beautifully captured these remarkable creatures."

-End release-

Press enquiries to:
Sarah Amies, pr consultant, 01484 687040/07811 133973
Bridget Yabsley, philatelic marketing co-ordinator, Guernsey Post   01481 754609