Scott No: 2393-6
Serial number: 1992-7
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: June 28, 1992
Designers: Yin Huili
Size: 30*40mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 50
Printing process: offset

The special stamp set Insects, catalog number 1992-7, was issued on June 28, 1992. It consists of four stamps, produced using offset printing. The stamps measure 30×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 50 stamps. The stamps were designed by Yin Huili and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This set was issued in conjunction with the 19th International Congress of Entomology held in Beijing. It selects four species of native natural enemy insects beneficial to agriculture and forestry. They belong to different orders and prey on pests in farmland and garden ecosystems, making them important creatures in biological pest control. The stamps use fresh and realistic images to showcase beneficial insects, popularize insect knowledge, promote the concept of using natural enemies to control pests and developing ecological agriculture, and display the rich biodiversity of the insect world.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Seven-Spotted Ladybird

The image depicts a seven-spotted ladybird resting on a green leaf. Its red elytra have seven black spots, making it highly recognizable. The seven-spotted ladybird specializes in preying on aphids. It is a well-known beneficial insect in fields and is praised by farmers as a "living pesticide."

Half-Yellow Darter

The image shows a half-yellow darter resting on a grass stem with wings spread. Its wings are half-yellow and half-transparent. Adult dragonflies prey heavily on mosquitoes, flies, and small flying insects, making them important predatory insects around water bodies.

Large Green Lacewing

The image shows a large green lacewing hanging on fine grass. Its wing veins are dense and delicate like gauze. Its larva, called the aphid lion, preys heavily on aphids and whiteflies. It is a commonly used natural enemy insect in greenhouses and orchards.

Chinese Giant Mantis

The image shows a Chinese giant mantis standing on a branch, with its forelegs like great sabers ready to strike. Mantises prey on various agricultural and forestry pests. They are fierce and are among the larger native predatory beneficial insects.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses an airbrushed realistic style. The background uses a gradient of yellow-green tones to simulate a wild vegetation environment, soft and transparent. The main insects have clear outlines, and Latin scientific names are noted in the lower right corner, combining educational value. The four insects have dynamic postures and expansive compositions, with clean and natural colors. It is a set with prominent ecological education attributes among 1990s insect-themed stamps.