A special postmarker was provided at Canberra from 22nd to 30th August, 1972, during the 14th International Congress of Entomology.
A temporary post office was established at the Australian National University in Canberra. The Congress adopted for its symbol the red “bulldog” ant, which was shown on the postmarker. The red “bulldog” ants (Myrmecia gulosa) are probably the most spectactular of all Australian ants and are certainly the largest known, ranging in size from ½ to 1½ inches. They derive their common name “bulldog” from their tenacious biting grip on victims and are armed as well with a large and powerful sting; any approach of their nests is met with immediate attack, the ants frequently following intruders for many feet from their nest.
The postmarker illustrated was used to cancel 6,954 articles, including 42 registered.
Details
- Date: 22 August 1972 – 30 August 1972
- Quantity:
- 6912 (ordinary articles)
- 42 (registered articles)