This striking set showcases the 1991 special postage stamp series "Heimische Libellen" (Native Dragonflies), issued by the Deutsche Bundespost. The collection features four meticulously detailed illustrations by artist Lothar Grünewald, depicting key dragonfly species found in Central Europe: the Plattbauch (Libellula depressa), the Blutrote Heidelibelle (Sympetrum sanguineum), the Zweigestreifte Quelljungfer (Cordulegaster boltonii), and the Grüne Mosaikjungfer (Aeshna viridis).
As noted in the official Ersttagsblatt documentation, these stamps were released on July 9, 1991, to highlight the importance of protecting these ancient insects and their natural wetland habitats, which have been under threat due to environmental changes. Each stamp is displayed with a clean first-day-of-issue cancellation from Bonn, featuring a specialized postmark that includes a nature conservation symbol, making this a beautiful intersection of biological science and philatelic art.
