Butterflies are widely admired for their kaleidoscopic tapestry of colours and patterns. They are among nature's most beautiful creatures. Regardless whether we see them as pinned collections in butterfly museums, in live butterfly parks or in their natural habitat, we never fail to be fascinated by their enormous variety of colours and forms.

Unfortunately, the capturing and collecting of butterflies for purposes other than research and study is popular. In Singapore, butterflies are becoming increasingly rare, a price we pay for progress which has resulted in habitat encroachment and destruction of natural vegetation. Butterflies, like all nature's creatures, exist and survive not in isolation but as part of an integrated community of animals and plants. There is therefore a growing awareness that the destruction of one species might well lead to the destruction of another and will eventually threaten the survival of Man himself.

This stamp issue on Butterflies not only highlights the beauty of these insects but is also a gentle reminder of the purpose and importance of preserving our natural heritage. For this reason, the stamp issue is sponsored by HongkongBank as part of its Care-for-Nature (CFN) environment conservation and education programme. HongkongBank has launched this programme in 1989 to help develop a greater understanding and appreciation of ASEAN’s natural environment and help preserve the unique heritage in the region.

This set of stamps depicts four common types of butterflies found in Singapore, the Plain Tiger, the Malay Lacewing, the Palm King and the Banded Swallowtail. Together, they make up an attractive set of stamps to collect and admire. Meticulously drawn by Eng Siak Loy, the illustrated butterflies are very close replicas of the real ones. He had so painstakingly incorporated the various characteristics such as the colour, the body parts and shape, they seem so much like the real ones that we so often wish we can hold in our hands.

As butterflies are very pretty in themselves, Siak Loy decided to feature them even on the first day cover, presentation pack and poster designs. Similarly, the datestamp shows a graphic drawing of the butterfly. This issue also comes with a stamp booklet bearing the same theme.