Mikadoageha : Japan Nature Conservation Series XIV

A postage stamp on the Nature Conservation Series “Mikado Ageha” :

Issued by Japan

Issued on May 18, 1977

Issued for : As the 14^th of the Nature Conservation Series, a ¥50 postage stamp will be issued having for its subject “Mikadoageha”.

Colour : Multicolour

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Denomination : 50 Yen

Printing Process : Photogravure & Engraved

Perforation : 13

About :

“Mikadoageha” (Mikado swallowtail).
“Mikadoageha” belongs to Papilonidae, Lepidoptera, and is a large butterfly.
When spreaded, its wings are about seven centimeters; there are blue-white spots on the black body. Yellowish orange-colored spots are on the rear side of the back wings. Butterflies seen in the Shikoku area have red spots.
The butterfly lives widely in the Oriental tropical region. In Japan, it can be seen in the southern areas of Shikoku and Kyushu and the southern and eastern areas of the Kii Peninsula. It is interesting that the rare butterfly which lives in the tropical region is also distributed in the subtropical areas.
In Japan, it is born some time between late in April and May, and some in the middle of August.
“Mikadoageha” of Kochi City, Shikoku, and its habitat are designated as Special Natural Monuments.