Global climate change is thought to be the cause of a remarkable number of French and southern European species of butterflies and moths spreading north and being recorded in the Channel Islands and the UK. Some are vagrants in ones and twos but others have become established in Jersey during the past decade.
Following the previous of butterflies stamp series, Jersey Post issued the third stamp set of butterflies and moths on May 08, 2012. The issue comprise of 4 single postage stamps, 3 stamps in one souvenir sheet and two set of First Day Cover. The species featured on stamps are Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing or Noctua fimbriata, Painted Lady or Vanessa cardui, Merveille du Jour or Dichonia aprilina , Queen of Spain Fritillary or Issoria lathonia , Large Emerald or Geometra papilionaria , Red Admiral or Vanessa atalanta .
The wingspan is 45–55 mm. The length of the forewings is 22–27 mm. The moth flies in one generation from late June to September.
A rather prosaic name contrasts with the dramatic black and orange coloring of this large nocturnal moth. It is common in high summer but is not often seen during the day, although it might be inadvertently disturbed in a sheltered position where it will be aestivating – the summer equivalent of hibernating. The larvae feed on Rumex, Nettle and low growing woody plants on occasion.
Vanessa cardui is one of the most widespread of all butterflies, found on every continent except Antarctica and South America.
This butterfly has a strange pattern of flying in a sort of screw shape. Vanessa cardui is unable to survive most winters in Britain and the Channel Islands and Jersey is dependent on migrants from the south for those seen in spring. In some years very few make it but in others – 2009, for example – they appeared in countless thousands. Some will breed in the island and provide a fine show in summer gardens.
The wingspan is 30-35 mm. The moth flies from May to September depending on the location.
Merveille du Jour is the English name of this striking moth.The larvae feed on Oak, European Beech and Birch.
Although a night flyer, it can often be seen in the daytime resting on the trunk of a lichen-covered tree, where its cryptic pattern and color make it very difficult to detect.
The Queen of Spain Fritillary ( is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is distinctly migratory in Western Europe, in Central and South Europe.
The adult is a strong flyer, and may be found anywhere but forests. Flight time is between March and October, size is between 38 mm and 46 mm, and is usually found at altitudes between sea level and 2700 m.
This common European species occasionally arrives in Jersey as a migrant. Some will breed and perhaps remain here for a few years. It is, however, quite a rare butterfly and is a treat for a lucky walker who comes across one basking on a warm path in the afternoon sun.
The Large Emerald, is a moth, the type specimen for the family Geometridae.This is a large and attractive species, as the specific name suggests very butterfly like, with a wingspan of 50-65 mm.
Newly emerged adults are bright green with darker green and white fascia, though the green coloration fades after a few days.
Most common during July this large and handsome species will only rarely be seen in daytime although a few specimens are regularly attracted to light-traps every year. Its preferred habitat is heathland and woodland, where it lays its eggs on birch and other deciduous trees.
The Red Admiral has a 45–50 mm wing span.The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates north in spring, and sometimes again in autumn.
Red Admirals are typical butterflies seen in gardens during the summer although they can be equally common along hedgerows and flowery meadows. The adults feed on nectar from colourful flowers, but they lay their eggs on nettles and other common weeds for the caterpillars to feed on.
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