Butterflies and Moths of India on Stamps

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

The quote suggests that welike Aumans when worry about the future or duell on the past beft,ving in the present, finds fulfillment in each forting moment Butterflies and Moths are integral components of life on Earth, they contribute significantly to its rich biodiversity. Having likely fint evolved around 150 million years ago and existing for at least 50 million years, these fascinating creatures have a long and storied history. Comprising over 250,000 species, butterflies and moths are a highly diverse group, making up approximately one-quarter of all named species India is home to approsimainly 1,318 butterfly species (which constitute65% of total Indian fauna) out of a global total of about 19.238. The largest butterfly, the Southern Birdwing, has a wingspan of 190mm, while the tiniest, the Grass Jewel, has a 1.5mm wingspan. Moths are also one of the most diverse groups of insects on earth, ranging from spectacular Hawk-moths to small, intricately patterned Footman moths Butterflies and moths are an integral part of our natural heritage and have been studied for over 300 years. Their presence resonates deeply within human culture, with extensive references in literature ranging from the Vedas and the Bible through Shakespeare to modern works, encompassing poetry and musical lyrics. In ancient Greck, the word for butterfly is "psyche," meaning "soul." Psyche, the goddess of the soul, was usually represented as a woman with butterfly wings. Aristotle himself named the butterfly Psyche, the Greek word for soul. Many cultures, including Egyptian culture, relate butterflies to the human soul Within the Vedas, specifically in the Mayabheda hymn (Rig Veda 10.177), there is a Sukta section on the butterfly by the Vedic Rishi Patanga Prajapati. The MayaBheda Sukta references the Patanga and Gandharva, here, the Rishi first refers to the butterfly as Patanga. Butterflies and Moths serve as vital indicators of healthy environments and thriving ecosystems. Areas rich in these delicate insects are also rich in other invertebrates, Collectively, these creatures provide a wide array of crucial environmental benefits, such as pollination and natural pest control. Moreover, moths and butterflies are an essential element of the food chain, serving as prey for birds, bats, and other insectivorous animals. Butterflies and moths, in turn, support a range of other predators and parasites, many of which are specific to individual species or groups of species. Ecologists widely use butterflies as model organisms to study the impacts of habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change. Beyond their ecological significance, butterflies and moths, winged Jewels also hold economic potential. Thousands of people travel abroad each year in search of these captivating insects, with eco-tours bringing valuable income to numerous countries worldwide. Each butterfly and moth has evolved a unique suite of chemicals to deter predators and parasites, locate mates, and overcome the chemical defenses of their host plants. Each of these chemicals holds potential value and could the economically expleted economically important crops, three-quarters of the world's staple crops, and over 75% of flowering plants. Furthermore, the silk industry, the oldest fiber industry, relies on these Lepidoptera. Many butterflies and moths produce silk, India now ranks as the second-largest 42% in 2023 Raw silk production has skyrocketed from 1.242 metric tonnes in 1949 so silk producer worldwide, with its share of global production jumping from 6% in 1949.to 38,913 metric tonnes in 2023-24. Silk exports from 20.41 crores in 1949-50 to 22.028 crimes in 2023-24 and reached over 80 countries. have found their way on stamps of a few countries. Entomological postage stamps are unique Butterfhes have a knack of bringing out the artist in everyone, and thus butterfly paintings teaching tools in primary and secondary education. Postage stamps and philatelic products can means of communication of science with the public and have been suggested as effective thus be both a powerful conservation and advocacy tool, as they circulate widely in the world to create awareness among people, and especially children. Its increased awareness can help habitats from destruction, for the benefit of future generations and also bring new changes in Man- Ecosystem relationship. India has issued postage stamps and other philatelic material from time to time depicting Butterflies and protect and conserve Butterfly Moths. book The book "Butterflies and Moths of India on Stamps"is divided into seven chapters with the chapters Introduction, Butterfly on stamps. Butterfly on Postcards, Moths on Postcards Butterflies and Moths Pictorial Cancellations, Butterflies and Moths Migration, Butterflies and Moths Conservation and Bibliography. Philatelic materials used in the book "Butterflies and Moths of India on Stamps" are issued by India Post total 220 philatelic materials like stamps, postcards, Maximum cards, special covers etc., are used. Descriptions used in the are sourced from various public references and postal departments website and pamphlets and presentation packs. The author acknowledges all authorities and postal administrations. All statements of fact included in the book are based on diligent research and are accompanied by footnotes, with references mentioned at the end to indicate the source o any such information. Although the author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy o he information in this book, any liability for errors and omissions, whether resulting fror negligence, accident, or any other cause, is disclaimed. Suggestions for future improvemen e welcome. The book is useful to Butterfly and Moth enthusiasts, Students, forester vironmentalists, researchers and students.

Butterflies and Moths possess intrinsic value and are undeniably worthy of conservator tarfiles stand as flagship species for conservation efforts worldwide. The intrinsic value refiles and moths, coupled with their ecological importance, cultural significance, a omics potential, underscores their worthiness of conservation. As vital threads in try of life on Earth, their preservation is crucial for maintaining our planet's varsity and ensuring a healthy future for all.

M Lokeswara Rao worked as a civil servant, belongs to the 1983 batch of Indian Forest Service and retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force in Nagaland, India. He has held different positions in the government of India. He worked as an advisor for Green Highways at the National Highways Authority of India, the Ministry of Surface Transport, and the Government of India and as a Director for (Protect Our Species), and Earth Day Network. He studied MSc and MPhil at Sri Venkateswara University and AIFC at Indira Gandhi Forest Academy in Dehradun, India, Environment Education at Jordan College in Glasgow, UK, and International Centre for Conservation Education Guting Power in Cheltenham, UK, as well as Policy Studies at Syracuse University in the United States. He has worked on various projects with forest development agencies, the Green India Mission, wildlife habitat projects, and the species recovery program me of the Amur Falcon. He has also organized many environmental awareness programmers. He was the UNESCO consultant for Identification of Biosphere Reserves in Nagaland and consultant with Community Forestry International, USA. Involved in various documentaries, namely the Amur Falcon, Elephants, etc. He received the Biodiversity Award at the Tiger Land Film Festival for his work on the Amur Falcon. His hobbies are painting and philately. He exhibited his painting of the Buddha in New Delhi, Bangalore, and various parts of the country. He received a number of awards in national and international philatelic exhibitions for his exhibits, Orchids, Buddhism, Buddhist mudras, post office postal cancellation on penny red, lady slipper orchids, and Buddhist dances, for his literature exhibit book, "Buddhism on Stamps" and for his different articles that appeared in various magazines in India and abroad. He authored other research papers and books "Plant Biodiversity of the World", "Buddhism an Stamps" "Himalayan Birds on Stamps" and "CITES: Endangered Species on Stamps". Modern Management the Gita Way" and "Ramayana on Stamps" based on philately. Conservation through Forest Conservation Act". His articles appeared in different agazines and newspapers in India and abroad. His articles on philately appeared in national international magazines and newspapers.