The description of this issue is divided in four sections. This is part 1 of 4.

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Information and photos from the website: www .leps.it

"Moth and Butterflies of Europe and North Africa" by Paolo Mazzei, Raniero Panfili, Ilaria Pimpinelli, Diego Reggianti

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The Libyan issue was released on October 1st, 1981. It is made of 16 stamps printed in minisheet, size mm.213x145 (4 stamps of 5 dirhams, 4 stamps of 10 dirhams, 4 stamps of 15 dirhams, 4 stamps of 25 dirhams). The same stamps are also printed in four single de-luxe souvenir-sheets (5dh x 4, 10dh x 4, 15dh x 4, 25dh x 4).

   minisheet of 16 (detail of 4 stamps of 5 dirhams each)

Hipparchia (Pseudotergumia) fidia - (Linnaeus, 1767)

Common name: Striped Grayling   -   Family: Nymphalidae Satyrinae Satyrini

Chazara prieuri - (Pierret, 1837)

Common name: Southern Hermit   -   Family: Nymphalidae Satyrinae Satyrini

Polygonia c-album - (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common name: Comma Butterfly   -   Family: Nymphalidae Nymphalinae Nymphalini

       larva

Colias crocea - (Fourcroy, 1785)

Common name: Clouded Yellow   -   Family: Pieridae Coliadinae Coliadini

Something more about "BUTTERFLIES" (source Wikipedia)

A butterfly is an insect of the order of Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form. Most species are day-flying so they regularly attract attention. The diverse patterns formed by their brightly coloured wings and their erratic yet graceful flight have made butterfly watching a fairly popular hobby. Butterflies comprise the true butterflies (superfamily Papilionoidea), the skippers (superfamily Hesperioidea) and the moth-butterflies (superfamily Hedyloidea). Butterflies exhibit polymorphism, mimicry and aposematism. Some migrate over long distances. Some butterflies have evolved symbiotic and parasitic relationship with social insects such as ants. Butterflies are important ecologically as one of the major agent of pollination. In addition, a few species are pests, because they can damage crops and trees. Culturally, butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts.

See other related Guides: part 2, 3 and 4.

PHILATELICUM