Alderney stamps feature hawk moths

The collection features three resident and three migrating moths

A set of Alderney stamps is to feature six of the world's 1,400 species of hawk moths.

The set of six, released by Guernsey Post on 23 February, features three species resident in Alderney; the Elephant, the Poplar and the Privet.

David Wedd, from the Alderney Wildlife Trust, said: "Hawk moths are arguably some of the most spectacular of all moths.

"Their streamlined wings and bodies are perfectly adapted for rapid flight."

He said: "The ability of some species to hover enables them to use their long tongues to sip nectar from deep flowers.

"There are about 1,400 species of hawk moth around the world and some play a unique role in the pollination of plants.

"Some orchids have evolved to be pollinated solely by hawk moths - and if the moth becomes extinct, so too will the plants."

There are nine species found in the British Isles, with seven found on Alderney.

The illustrations, by artist Petula Stone, also feature hawk moths that migrate to the island from Africa - the Hummingbird Hawk, the Convolvulus Hawk and the Striped Hawk.

Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, said: "The illustrations capture these creatures beautifully.

"Whilst most of these hawk moths fly at night, by depicting island scenes in the background she has created a unique set which fits perfectly into our invertebrates collection."