| Baltimore Checkerspot (Butterfly) Postage Stamp
The official insect of the state of Maryland, the black and orange Baltimore
checkerspot butterfly graces the second butterfly stamp for use on large greeting card envelopes.
The stamp art was created on a computer,
using images of preserved butterflies as a starting point. The result is a highly stylized, simplified image of a Baltimore checkerspot
rather than an exact replica.
Like the Baltimore oriole, this colorful butterfly is named after George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, who
helped found the colony of Maryland. The butterfly's colors resemble those on Calvert's coat of arms, with orange and white spots
forming a checkered pattern on black wings. The butterfly has an unusual life cycle. It spends the winter hibernating as a caterpillar,
rolled up in a fallen leaf which it uses as a sleeping bag. Nationally known artist Tom Engeman worked with art director Derry Noyes
on this design.
The Baltimore Checkerspot stamp will be issued in self-adhesive sheets of 20 at a 65-cent denomination. The square
format of the stamp was developed in partnership with the greeting card industry to provide correct postage for square or irregularly
sized envelopes. Envelopes printed with a silhouette of a butterfly indicate the need for extra postage, or the use of the butterfly
stamp. |
