Jamaica Philately: 1964 Definitive Series – 6d Papilio homerus

Papilio homerus, commonly known as the Homerus swallowtail or Jamaican swallowtail, is the largest butterfly species in the Western Hemisphere. The butterfly is named in honor of the Greek poet Homer. It is endemic to Jamaica where the butterfly simultaneously serves as an icon of national pride and a need for conservation efforts.

Adults can be seen from morning to afternoon soaring among the canopy of the Neotropical Jamaican rainforests. Its brown-black wings feature a large yellow band and blue and red spotting, making the butterfly easy to spot from far away.

Details
  • Designer: Victor Whitely
  • Printer: Harrison & Sons Ltd.
  • Process: Photogravure
  • Paper: 
  • Watermark: Multiple J & Pineapple
  • Perf: 14.5 (comb)
  • Cylinders: 
  • Sheet: R6 x 10
  • Quantity:
    • 1A 1A 1A 1A
    • 1B 1B 1B 1B
    • 1C 1C 1C 1C
    • 1D 1D 1D 1D
  • Reprint:
    • 29 June 1965
    • 27 June 1967
Sheet Numbers
References