Ladybug Stamps (North American Wildlife Series, Insect, Multicolored) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 22c

Part of the North American Wildlife series, this vintage postage stamp depicts a Ladybug, a small yet iconic insect known for its vibrant red and black-spotted shell. This stamp’s artwork shows a ladybug close-up, highlighting its distinct red shell with black spots. This unused 22-cent gummed stamp celebrates the North American continent's rich biodiversity, showcasing this species in its typical environment, emphasizing the importance of habitat in wildlife conservation.

The Ladybug (Coccinellidae), also known as the ladybird beetle, is a small, dome-shaped insect found worldwide. It is highly recognizable due to its bright red, orange, or yellow body with black spots. There are over 5,000 species of ladybugs, and they play a crucial role in natural pest control by feeding on aphids and other harmful plant pests.Most commonly red or orange with black spots, some ladybugs are yellow, pink, or even black. Found in gardens, forests, meadows, and farmlands worldwide, in colder climates, ladybugs hibernate in large groups under leaves, bark, or rocks.

The ladybug is a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and protection in many cultures around the world. It is often associated with positive change, happiness, and blessings. In European folklore, it is believed that if a ladybug lands on you, good fortune is coming your way. Farmers see ladybugs as a sign of a good harvest, as they help protect crops from pests. Some cultures believe that counting a ladybug’s spots can predict the number of months or years before finding true love. In Swedish folklore, a ladybug flying off one’s hand is believed to carry love messages to a future partner. The ladybug is thought to ward off evil spirits and bring protection to those in need. In Native American traditions, the ladybug symbolizes healing, renewal, and harmony with nature. Because ladybugs go through metamorphosis (from egg to larva to adult), they are often associated with personal transformation and renewal. Spotting a ladybug is believed to be a sign that positive change is coming.

Ladybugs are often used as mascots for preschools, children’s organizations, and environmental programs due to their friendly and approachable image. While less common in professional sports, some youth soccer and softball teams use the ladybug as a mascot.

This postage stamp has a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. This means that the stamps required licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces.

On June 13, 1987, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued the North American Wildlife postage stamp series, a commemorative sheet featuring 50 different gummed 22-cent stamps. This release celebrated the rich diversity of North American fauna, showcasing species from various regions, including Alaska and Hawaii. Renowned wildlife artist Chuck Ripper illustrated the series, capturing the essence of each species with remarkable accuracy and detail. The stamps not only highlight the animals but also incorporate elements of their natural habitats, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation. USPS and The Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) originally hoped to represent the State Animal of all 50 states. However, many states do not have a State Animal or share a State Animal with another state. Instead, USPS and CSAC opted to include avifauna, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates from across the continent. Notably, the First Day of Issue ceremony took place at the Canadian Philatelic Exhibition (CAPEX) in Toronto, Canada, marking the third time a U.S. stamp issue had its inaugural event outside the United States. The North American Wildlife stamp series remains a favorite among collectors and nature enthusiasts, serving as a vivid reminder of the continent's rich and varied wildlife heritage.

These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly suitable for use as current postage for mailing with USPS, as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing.