NOT Forever Stamp-$1.29 Stamps 2021 Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly – Non-Machinable Surcharge, First-Class Rate

Value: $1.12 Nonmachinable surcharge or 2-ounce rate

Issue Date:  March 2, 2021

First Day City:  Estes Park, CO

Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America

Printing Method:  Offset, microprint

Format:  Pane of 20

The Colorado hairstreak, a vibrant purple butterfly native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, officially became the state insect of Colorado in 1996.

Colorado hairstreak butterflies thrive in mountainous shrubland, relying heavily on the Gambel oak for their survival. This tree serves as a crucial food source for Colorado hairstreak caterpillars, and adults are frequently discovered resting among its branches. The Colorado hairstreak lays its eggs in late summer, and the caterpillars hatch the following spring.

Adult Colorado hairstreaks boast a wingspan of one to one and a half inches, featuring a thin tail on each back wing that gives the species its name. Their wings exhibit a dark purple hue with a wide black border and orange spots on the outer edges. The butterfly’s underside displays gray wings with white and black marks, accompanied by an orange patch or small spot.

While habitat loss often poses a threat to butterfly species, the Colorado hairstreak is fortunate to be in good standing due to the abundance of Gambel oaks in its habitat. With ongoing fortune, the beautiful Colorado hairstreak should continue to grace us with its presence for many years to come.