 |
 Pantala flavescens |
|
Pantala flavescens |
This
dragonfly is the world’s most widely distributed dragonfly being found
in the tropics as well as in temperate zones. It breeds on every
continent except Europe and Antarctica and is found all around the
world. This species flies almost constantly and drifts with the wind as it feeds. It flies thousands of miles over oceans and because of its characteristic gliding flight, its common name is the Globe Skimmer or Wandering Glider. It can be seen flying almost anywhere in open country, sometimes in great numbers. They rarely perch but at sea they have been known to land on ships far away from land.
They
usually inhabit the thickly vegetated areas of stream bank areas and
lower wetland areas near the ocean. Breeding occurs in standing or slow
moving water, so rice paddies in the tropics are particularly suitable
habitats. Forests and even rain puddles are also known breeding
locations.
The colour of the
thorax and tapered abdomen of both sexes is orangish to light brown
with long, broad and clear wings. The small dark area on the tip of the
hind-wing is distinctive. 
| Single set | $6.50 | |
| Gutter Pair set | $13.00 | |
| Block of 4 set | $26.00 | |
| Miniature sheet | $6.50 | |
| Miniature sheet on First Day Cover | $8.00 |
| Designer: |
Sue Wickison, Wellington, New Zealand | Pitcairn
Stamps proudly brought to you by:  |
|
| Printer: | Southern Colour Print, Dunedin, New Zealand |
||
| Photography Ref. | Charlene Warren, Adamstown, Pitcairn Island | ||
| Process: | Offset Litho | ||
| Stamp size: | 33.0 mm x 33.0 mm vertical | ||
| Mini Sheet Size: | 138mm x 78mm | ||
| Sheet Format: | 2 panes of 20 stamps with a central gutter | ||
| Perforation Gauge: | 14.50 x 14.50 |
||
| Denominations: | Stamps $2.50 and $4.00. Miniature sheet $6.50 | ||
| Paper: | 104gsm Tullis Russell non phosphor gummed paper |
||
| Period
of
Sale: |
26 August 2009 for a period of 2 years |