On 1 February, Åland Post will issue a new series of self-adhesive franking labels illustrating four magnificent butterflies occurring in Åland. Sofia Pusa has illustrated the complex cycle of a butterfly’s life also known as metamorphosis, the transformation from egg to larva, pupa and fully formed butterfly.

The new franking labels represent four butterflies:

• Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is one of the most common butterflies in Åland. It flies from July to September and again after hibernation as an adult butterfly when the spring sun peeks out in April.
• Large white (Pieris brassicae) likes open landscapes and gardens. In Finland, it overwinters in the pupal stage and flies from May to September with a break in July.
• Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) flies in spring and early summer. No bigger than a thumb nail, it prefers to live in pine and mixed forests. The butterfly overwinters as a pupa.
• The silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia) is especially found on Åland. It thrives in areas dominated by forest and in flowery meadows. It flies from July to September and hibernates as a caterpillar.

Finnish illustrator Sofia Pusa made her debut as a stamp artist with Åland Post’s 2023 peace stamp and took on the new stamp assignment enthusiastically: “I wanted the butterflies to remain recognizable, grounded in reality, while also infusing elements of magic capturing the miracle of metamorphosis. I enjoyed exploring the intricate colour palette and nuanced details in these butterflies,” Sofia says.

Facts

• Name Metamorphosis
• Date of issue1 February 2024
• ArtistSofia Pusa
• Design Johanna Finne
• Denomination of series 4 x €3
• Price FDC €13
• Size 56 × 25 mm
• Paper 40 gms thermal paper
• Process 4-colour offset
• Printer Cartor Security Printers

Order the franking labels, first day cover and maximum card at alandstamps.com, by post to Åland Post Stamps, P.O. box 1100, AX-22111 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland, e-mail stamps(a)alandpost.com or telephone: +358 18636639.