Butterflies of Ukraine – Collectible Moth Stamp Block

Discover the remarkable beauty of Ukraine’s natural world with this colorful “Butterflies” collectible stamp block from 2005. Featuring five striking species of Ukrainian moths, this vintage postal issue is a beautiful little piece of nature art — perfect for stamp collectors, butterfly and moth enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates Ukraine’s wildlife.

Although officially titled “Butterflies,” the five species illustrated on the stamps are actually moths — including some of the most unusual and impressive species found in Ukraine.

The Story Behind the Stamp Block

Butterflies and moths are easy to overlook until you see them up close.

Their wings can contain extraordinary patterns: eyespots, bands of crimson, delicate camouflage, and markings that almost look painted by hand.

The five insects chosen for this Ukrainian stamp block show just how diverse that world can be.

One carries a marking resembling a human skull.

Another spreads enormous wings decorated with eye-like circles.

Others disappear almost perfectly against tree bark and forest vegetation.

Together, the five stamps turn a small postal block into a miniature celebration of Ukraine’s forests, meadows, and remarkable insect life.

The Five Species

Death’s-head Hawkmoth – Acherontia atropos
Perhaps the most recognizable of the group, this extraordinary moth is famous for the skull-shaped marking on its thorax. Its dramatic appearance has made it part of European folklore, art, and popular culture.

Dark Crimson Underwing – Catocala sponsa
At rest, this moth can blend beautifully into tree bark. When it opens its wings, brilliant crimson bands suddenly appear underneath — a wonderful example of nature combining camouflage with unexpected color.

Staurophora celsia
A striking green-and-brown moth whose intricate wing pattern resembles leaves, moss, and forest vegetation.

Oak Hawkmoth – Marumba quercus
A large hawkmoth associated with oak woodland. Its soft brown coloring and sweeping wing shape make it one of the most elegant insects represented in the block.

Giant Peacock Moth – Saturnia pyri
One of Europe’s most impressive moths, recognizable by its large wings and beautiful eye-shaped markings. Its appearance alone makes it a favorite among insect and nature collectors.

A Vintage Ukrainian Nature Collectible

Released on February 11, 2005, the Butterflies block belongs to an earlier generation of Ukrainian collectible stamps — long before the wartime issues for which modern Ukrainian philately is now widely known.

That gives it a very different appeal.

Rather than documenting politics or war, this issue preserves the quieter side of Ukraine: its wildlife, forests, biodiversity, and artistic tradition of celebrating nature through stamps.

With an original print run of only 90,000 blocks, it is also an attractive older issue for anyone building a collection of Ukrainian flora and fauna stamps.

Stamp Block Details

• 5 collectible Ukrainian postage stamps
• Official issue: Butterflies / Метелики
• Featured species: 5 moth species
• Issue date: February 11, 2005
• Artist: G. Kuznetsov
  
• Individual stamp catalogue numbers: 637–641
• Total original face value: 8.13 UAH
• Block size: 130 × 110 mm
• Original print run: 90,000 blocks
• Original Ukrainian postal issue
• Made in Ukraine

A Beautiful Gift From Ukraine

This collectible is especially appealing for:

• Ukrainian stamp collectors
• Butterfly and moth enthusiasts
• Nature and wildlife lovers
• Insect collectors
• Ukrainian diaspora families
• Collectors of vintage Ukrainian stamps
• Children and young collectors interested in nature
• Anyone looking for a distinctive and authentic gift from Ukraine

The Butterflies of Ukraine stamp block is a reminder that Ukrainian collectibles tell many different stories — not only stories of history and national identity, but also of the extraordinary natural world found across the country.

Five tiny works of art celebrating some of Ukraine’s most fascinating winged creatures.

🇺🇦 Authentic collectible from Ukraine, available from Gifts from Ukraine with fast shipping from Canada.