Colorado HairStreak Forever Stamp 2021
Stamp's Purpose:
This stamp, the 8th installment in the Non-Machinable Butterfly series, serves to cover the non-machinable surcharge rate while continuing the tradition of showcasing the exquisite beauty of butterflies.
Design Details:
Featuring a digital rendering of the colorful Colorado Hairstreak butterfly, the stamp captures the essence of this vibrant species with stunning accuracy. The original artwork, skillfully crafted by Tom Engeman, draws inspiration from preserved butterflies to create a captivating portrayal.
First Day City:
While the First Day of Issue Ceremony was held virtually due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the stamp's significance was honored with a First Day of Issue Cancellation from Estes Park, Colorado. This picturesque town serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where the Colorado Hairstreak butterfly finds its natural habitat.
About the Non-Machinable Butterfly Series:
Beginning in 2010 with the Monarch Butterfly design, the Non-Machinable Butterfly series was conceived to adorn envelopes requiring additional postage or those unsuitable for automated processing. The series, developed in collaboration with the greeting card industry, celebrates the intricate beauty of butterflies while fulfilling practical postage needs.
History the Stamp Represents:
The Colorado Hairstreak, a striking purple butterfly indigenous to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, holds the esteemed title of Colorado's state insect since 1996. Thriving in mountainous shrubland, this butterfly species relies heavily on the Gambel oak for sustenance, with caterpillars feeding on its foliage and adults seeking refuge among its branches.
With its distinct wing pattern featuring dark purple hues, black borders, and vibrant orange accents, the Colorado Hairstreak enchants observers with its elegance. While habitat loss threatens many butterfly species, the abundant presence of Gambel oaks offers a lifeline to the resilient Colorado Hairstreak, ensuring its continued presence for generations to come.
