ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – MANY-COLOURED RUSH TYRANT (TACHURIS RUBRIGASTRA) #2

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Many-coloured Rush Tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Tyrannidae
Genus : Tachuris
Species : T. Rubrigastra

Description:

The Many-coloured rush tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra) or Many-colored rush tyrant is a small passerine bird of South America belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. It is the only member of the genus Tachuris and its relationships with the other members of the family are uncertain. It inhabits marshland and reedbeds around lakes and rivers. It is particularly associated with stands of Scirpus. The nest is built among plant stems.

There are four subspecies: T. r. rubrigastra is the most widespread, occurring from south-east Brazil to southern Argentina and central Chile. T. r. alticola is found in the Andes of south-east Peru, west Bolivia and north-west Argentina. T. r. libertatis is found in coastal Peru while T. r. loaensis is restricted to Antofagasta Region in northern Chile.

It is a small bird, 10.5 cm in length. The tail is short, the wings are short and rounded and the bill is slender. As the bird's name suggests, the plumage is very colorful. The back and rump are green while the underparts are yellow apart from the white throat, black breastband and red undertail-coverts. The face is dark blue-grey, there is a yellow stripe over the eye and the crown is dark with a red patch that is often concealed. The wings and tail are dark with a white wingbar and white outer tail-feathers. Juveniles are considerably duller than the adults.

Binomial Name:

Name : Tachuris rubrigastra
Taxonomist : Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (Yvetot - France)
Year : 1817
Subspecies : 4 (Rubigastra, Alticola, Libertatis, Ioaensis)
Synonyms : Sylvia rubrigastra

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

1999 - Uruguay - Stamp 4 of 4, from Birds and Trees Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: April 14th, 1999
Printed: 35.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 7

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – CHESTNUT-BACKED TANAGER (TANGARA PRECIOSA)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Chestnut-backed tanager (Tangara preciosa)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Thraupidae
Genus : Tangara
Species : T. Preciosa

Description:

The Chestnut-backed tanager (Tangara preciosa) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Atlantic Forest in south-eastern Brazil, north-eastern Argentina, eastern Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is closely related to the rarer black-backed tanager, and females of the two species are indistinguishable. This bird is characterized by its green breast, and chesnut colored back. Before research was completed, this animal was often mistaken for a result of a mutated black-backed tanager ("Tangara peruviana"). It is now known that this is not the case, and though the two species are related, they are not in fact the same species. The tanager is not in any danger, and is plentiful in the areas that it resides in. Further studies show that this animal is non-invasive, which simply means that it will not invade areas other than its own region.

Binomial Name:

Name : Tangara preciosa
Taxonomist : Jean Louis Cabanis (Berlin - Germany)
Year : 1850
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

1999 - Uruguay - Stamp 3 of 4, from Birds and Trees Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: April 14th, 1999
Printed: 35.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 7

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – BIRDS – HUMMINGBIRDS – GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (CHLOROSTILBON LUCIDUS)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Glittering-bellied emerald (Chlorostilbon lucidus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Apodiformes
Family : Trochilidae
Genus : Chlorostilbon
Species : C. Lucidus

Description:

The Fawn-breasted tanager (Pipraeidea melanonota) is a species of tanager with a blue head and yellow breast. It is in the genus Pipraeidea, along with the Blue-and-yellow tanager. It occurs in the Andes of northwestern Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, as well as in the highlands of northeastern Argentina, south Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Binomial Name:

Name : Chlorostilbon lucidus
Taxonomist : George Shaw (Bierton - England)
Year : 1812
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Chlorostilbon aureoventris

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

1999 - Uruguay - Stamp 2 of 4, from Birds and Trees Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: April 14th, 1999
Printed: 35.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 7

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (PIPRAEIDEA MELANONOTA)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Fawn-breasted tanager (Pipraeidea melanonota)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Thraupidae
Genus : Pipraeidea
Species : P. Melanonota

Description:

The Fawn-breasted tanager (Pipraeidea melanonota) is a species of tanager with a blue head and yellow breast. It is in the genus Pipraeidea, along with the Blue-and-yellow tanager. It occurs in the Andes of northwestern Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, as well as in the highlands of northeastern Argentina, south Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Binomial Name:

Name : Pipraeidea melanonota
Taxonomist : Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (Yvetot - France)
Year : 1819
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

1999 - Uruguay - Stamp 1 of 4, from Birds and Trees Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: April 14th, 1999
Printed: 35.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 7

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – GOLDEN-WINGED CACIQUE (CACICUS CHRYSOPTERUS)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Golden-winged cacique (Cacicus chrysopterus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Icteridae
Genus : Cacicus
Species : C. Chrysopterus

Description:

The Golden-winged cacique (Cacicus chrysopterus) is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Binomial Name:

Name : Cacicus chrysopterus
Taxonomist : Nicholas Aylward Vigors (Old Leighlin - Ireland)
Year : 1825
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2000 - Uruguay - Stamp 4 of 4, from Birds Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 27th, 2000
Printed: 25.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 5

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 35 mm. x 22 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – FRECKLE-BREASTED THORNBIRD (PHACELLODOMUS STRIATICOLLIS)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Freckle-breasted thornbird (Phacellodomus striaticollis)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Furnariidae
Genus : Phacellodomus
Species : P. Striaticollis

Description:

The Freckle-breasted thornbird (Phacellodomus striaticollis) is a species of bird in the Furnariidae family. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.

Binomial Name:

Name : Phacellodomus striaticollis
Taxonomist : Alcide d'Orbigny (Couëron - France) & Frédéric de Lafresnaye (Falaise - France)
Year : 1838
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2000 - Uruguay - Stamp 3 of 4, from Birds Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 27th, 2000
Printed: 25.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 4

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 35 mm. x 22 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – COMMON MINER (GEOSITTA CUNICULARIA)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Common miner (Geositta cunicularia)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Furnariidae
Genus : Geositta
Species : G. Cunicularia

Description:

The Common miner (Geositta cunicularia) is a passerine bird of South America, belonging to the ovenbird family. It is a ground-dwelling bird which feeds on insects and seeds. It has about 9 different subspecies, some of which may be better treated as separate species.

It is 14 to 16 cm long with a fairly long, slightly downcurved bill. The plumage varies geographically but is basically brown above and pale below with a streaked breast, pale stripe over the eye, dark edge to the ear-coverts and pale rufous bar across the wing. The tail is dark with a buff base and variable amounts of buff on the outer feathers. The trilling song is often given in flight and also varies geographically.

The species occurs in open habitats such as grassland, sand dunes and beaches from sea-level to high in the Andes. It is widespread and sometimes common across much of Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, parts of Peru and Bolivia and in southernmost Brazil. In winter there is some northward migration by southern birds with a few reaching Paraguay.

The bird lays two or three white eggs in a chamber at the end of a tunnel, up to 3 metres long, dug into an earth bank or sand dune.

Binomial Name:

Name : Geositta cunicularia
Taxonomist : Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (Yvetot - France)
Year : 1816
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2000 - Uruguay - Stamp 2 of 4, from Birds Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 27th, 2000
Printed: 25.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 4

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 35 mm. x 22 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – LONG-TAILED REED FINCH (DONACOSPIZA ALBIFRONS)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Long-tailed reed finch (Donacospiza albifrons)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Emberizidae
Genus : Donacospiza
Species : D. Albifrons

Description:

The Long-tailed reed finch (Donacospiza albifrons) is a species of bird traditionally placed in the Emberizidae family. It has been suggested though that its nearest relations may be the finch-like tanagers of the genus Poospiza in the family Thraupidae. It is the only member of its genus, Donacospiza.

It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are temperate grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, and swamps.

Binomial Name:

Name : Donacospiza albifrons
Taxonomist : Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (Yvetot - France)
Year : 1817
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2000 - Uruguay - Stamp 1 of 4, from Birds Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 27th, 2000
Printed: 25.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 5

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 35 mm. x 22 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – AMPHIBIANS – FROGS – SQUALIROSTRIS SCINAX (SCINAX SQUALIROSTRIS)

Animals - Amphibians - Frogs

Squalirostris Scinax (Scinax squalirostris)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Amphibia
Order : Anura
Family : Hylidae
Genus : Scinax
Species : S. Squalirostris

Description:

The Squalirostris Scinax (Scinax squalirostris) is a species of frog in the Hylidae family. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and possibly Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, temperate grassland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, intermittent freshwater marshes, pastureland, rural gardens, heavily degraded former forest, ponds, and canals and ditches.

Binomial Name:

Name : Scinax squalirostris
Taxonomist : Adolpho Lutz (Rio de Janeiro - Brazil)
Year : 1925
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2001 - Uruguay - Stamp 4 of 4, from Amphibians and Reptiles Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: February 15th, 2001
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 11

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 22 mm. x 35 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – REPTILES – TURTLES – HILAIRE’S TOADHEAD TURTLE (PHRYNOPS HILARII)

Animals - Reptiles - Turtles

Hilaire’s toadhead turtle (Phrynops hilarii)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Chelidae
Genus : Phrynops
Species : P. Hilarii

Description:

The Hilaire’s toadhead turtle or Hilaire’s side-necked turtle (Phrynops hilarii), is a species of turtle endemic to South America.

The specific name, hilarii, is in honor of French zoologist Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire.

P. hilarii is found in southern Brazil (Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul) southward and westward into Uruguay and Argentina; possibly also in Paraguay and Bolivia.

Binomial Name:

Name : Phrynops hilarii
Taxonomist : André Marie Constant Duméril (Amiens - France) and Gabriel Bibron (Paris - France)
Year : 1835
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Many

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Near-threatened species

A Near-threatened species is a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status. The IUCN notes the importance of re-evaluating near-threatened taxa at appropriate intervals.

Philatelic Issues

2001 - Uruguay - Stamp 3 of 4, from Amphibians and Reptiles Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: February 15th, 2001
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 11

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 22 mm. x 35 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – REPTILES – TURTLES – BLACK SPINE-NECK SWAMP TURTLE (ACANTHOCHELYS SPIXII)

Animals - Reptiles - Turtles

Black spine-neck swamp turtle (Acanthochelys spixii)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Chelidae
Genus : Acanthochelys
Species : A. Spixii

Description:

The Black spine-neck swamp turtle, Spiny-neck turtle or Spix's sideneck turtle (Acanthochelys spixii) is a species of turtle in the Chelidae family. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and possibly Paraguay.

Binomial Name:

Name : Acanthochelys spixii
Taxonomist : André Marie Constant Duméril (Amiens - France) and Gabriel Bibron (Paris - France)
Year : 1835
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : Emys depressa Spix, Emys aspera Gray, Platemys spixii

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Near-threatened species

A Near-threatened species is a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status. The IUCN notes the importance of re-evaluating near-threatened taxa at appropriate intervals.

Philatelic Issues

2001 - Uruguay - Stamp 2 of 4, from Amphibians and Reptiles Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: February 15th, 2001
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 11

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 22 mm. x 35 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – AMPHIBIANS – FROGS – MONKEY FROG (PHYLLOMEDUSA IHERINGII)

Animals - Amphibians - Frogs

Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa iheringii)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Amphibia
Order : Anura
Family : Hylidae
Genus : Phyllomedusa
Species : P. Iheringii

Description:

The Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa iheringii) is a species of frog in the Hylidae family, found in Brazil and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are temperate shrubland and intermittent freshwater marshes, and is threatened by habitat loss.

Binomial Name:

Name : Phyllomedusa iheringii
Taxonomist : George Albert Boulenger (Brussels - Belgium)
Year : 1885
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2001 - Uruguay - Stamp 1 of 4, from Amphibians and Reptiles Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: February 15th, 2001
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 11

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 22 mm. x 35 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – REPTILES – SNAKES – CROSSED PIT VIPER (BOTHROPS ALTERNATUS)

Animals - Reptiles - Snakes

Crossed Pit Viper (Bothrops alternatus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Subphylum : Vertebrata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Suborder : Serpentes
Family : Viperidae
Subfamily : Crotalinae
Genus : Bothrops
Species : B. Alternatus

Description:

The Crossed Pit Viper (Bothrops alternatus) is a venomous pit viper species found in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Within its range, it is an important cause of snakebite. The specific name, alternatus, which is Latin for "alternating", is apparently a reference to the staggered markings along the body. No subspecies are currently recognized.

Large and stout, this terrestrial species reportedly exceeds 2 m (6.6 ft) in total length, although the verified maximum is 169 cm (67 in). Most specimens are 80–120 cm (31–47 in) in total length, with females being significantly longer and heavier than males.

Occurs in tropical and semitropical forests, as well as temperate deciduous forests. According to Gallardo (1977), it prefers marshes, low-lying swamps, riparian zones and other humid habitats. It is also said to be common in sugarcane plantations. It is found in a variety of habitats depending on the latitude, including open fields and rocky areas in the Sierra de Achiras in Córdoba and the Sierra de la Ventana in Buenos Aires in Argentina, fluvial areas, grasslands and cerrado. However, it is usually absent in dry environments.

An important cause of snakebite within its range, bites are rarely fatal but frequently cause severe local tissue damage. Although Spix and Martius (1824) found that it had a reputation for being one of the most venomous snakes in Brazil, its bite "said to occasion almost certain death", the statistics tell a different story. In his survey of 6,601 snakebite cases in Central and South America, Fonseca (1949) found that 384 were attributed to this species and that, of that number, only eight were fatal (2%).

Binomial Name:

Name : Bothrops alternatus
Taxonomist : André Marie Constant Duméril (Amiens - France), Gabriel Bibron (Paris - France), Auguste Henri André Duméril (Paris - France)
Year : 1854
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Many

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2001 - Uruguay - Stamp 2 of 2, from Snakes Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: May 28th, 2001
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value: UYP 11

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - REPTILES - SNAKES - SOUTH AMERICAN GREEN RACER (PHILODRYAS AESTIVA)

Animals - Reptiles - Snakes

South American Green Racer (Philodryas olfersii)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Subphylum : Vertebrata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Suborder : Serpentes
Family : Colubridae
Subfamily : Xenodontinae
Genus : Philodryas
Species : P. Olfersii

Description:

South American Green Racer (Philodryas olfersii) is a species of colubrid snake, endemic to South America, known also by the common names Lichtenstein's green racer, and eastern green whiptail, and in Brazil, cobra-cipó, cobra de São João, cobra-facão, cobra-verde, and mboi-obi.

The specific name, olfersii, is in honor of German naturalist Ignaz von Olfers.

It is native to much of South America, including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, French Guiana, and Venezuela.

P. olfersii reaches 1 to 1.5 meters (about 40 to 60 inches) in maximum total length.

Dorsally, it is green in color; ventrally, it is yellowish.

The dorsal scales are smooth, without apical pits, and are arranged in 19 rows at midbody.

It can be found in many habitat types, including the Cerrado, Caatinga, forests, forest transition, and restinga.

This species is often arboreal, but it also forages on the ground. It is diurnal, though it has been observed mating late in the evening.

Prey items include rodents, lizards, amphibians, and birds, especially nestlings. They will also eat other snakes, including ones almost as large as themselves.

The egg of the snake measures about 5 centimeters (about 2 inches). The clutch size is 4 to 11 eggs, with larger females producing more eggs than smaller ones.

Binomial Name:

Name : Philodryas olfersii
Taxonomist : Martin Hinrich Carl Lichtenstein (Hamburg - Germany)
Year : 1823
Subspecies : 3 (Herbeus, Iatirostris, Olfersii)
Synonyms : Coluber olfersii, Herpetodryas olfersii, Dryophylax olfersii, Philodryas olfersii

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2001 - Uruguay - Stamp 1 of 2, from Snakes Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: May 28th, 2001
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value: UYP 11

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – INSECTS – BEES – WESTERN HONEY BEE (APIS MELLIFERA)

Animals - Insects - Bees

Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Hymenoptera
Family : Apdae
Genus : Apis
Species : A. Mellifera

Description:

The Western honey bee or European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a species of honey bee. The genus name Apis is Latin for "bee", and mellifera means "honey-bearing". It has a defined social caste system and complex communication behaviors, such as intricate dance routines to indicate food availability. It is frequently maintained by beekeepers for its honey product. This species is widely distributed and an important pollinator for agriculture, though it is currently threatened by colony collapse disorder. It is also an important organism for scientific studies on social insects, especially as it now has a fully sequenced genome.

The western honey bee is native to Europe, Asia and Africa. During the early 1600s it was introduced to North America, with other European subspecies introduced two centuries later. Since then, it has spread throughout the Americas.

Western honey bees evolved into geographic races as they spread from Africa into Eurasia, and 28 subspecies based on these geographic variations are recognized. All races are cross-fertile, although reproductive adaptations may make interbreeding unlikely. The subspecies are divided into four major branches, based on work by Ruttner and confirmed by mitochondrial DNA analysis. African subspecies belong to branch A, northwestern European subspecies branch M, southwestern European subspecies branch C and Mideastern subspecies branch O. These subspecies are listed and grouped in the sidebar. Regions with local variations may be identified as subspecies in the future; A. m. pomonella, from the Tian Shan, would be included in the Mideastern subspecies branch.

Geographic isolation led to adaptation as honey bees spread after the last ice age. These adaptations include brood cycles synchronized to the blooming period of local flora, forming a winter cluster in colder climates, migratory swarming in Africa and enhanced foraging behavior in desert areas.

Binomial Name:

Name : Apis mellifera
Taxonomist : Carl Linnaeus (Småland - Sweden)
Year : 1758
Subspecies : Many
Synonyms : Apis Mellifica

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2001 – Uruguay – Bees Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: Septermber 12th, 2001
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Complete 2 Stamp Series
Value: 2 * UYP 12 = UYP 24

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: All 35 mm. x 25 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – MAMMALS – EQUIDS – WILD HORSE (EQUUS FERUS) #2

Animals - Mammals - Equids

Wild Horse (Equus ferus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Perissodactyla
Family : Equidae
Genus : Equus
Species : E. Ferus

Description:

The Wild horse (Equus ferus) is a species of the genus Equus, which includes as subspecies the modern domesticated horse (Equus ferus caballus) as well as the undomesticated tarpan (Equus ferus ferus), now extinct, and the endangered Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii). Przewalski's horse was saved from the brink of extinction and reintroduced successfully to the wild. The tarpan became extinct in the 19th century, though it was a possible ancestor of the domestic horse, and roamed the steppes of Eurasia at the time of domestication. However, other subspecies of Equus ferus may have existed and could have been the stock from which domesticated horses are descended.

The horse family Equidae and the genus Equus evolved in North America, before the species moved into the Eastern Hemisphere. Studies using ancient DNA, as well as DNA of recent individuals, shows the presence of two closely related horse species in North America, the wild horse and the "New World stilt-legged horse”. Currently, three subspecies that lived during recorded human history are recognized. The widespread domestic horse (Equus ferus caballus), the recently extinct tarpan (E. f. ferus) and the endangered Przewalski's horse (E. f. przewalskii). Genetically, the predomestication horse, E. f. ferus, and domesticated horse, E. f. caballus, form a single homogeneous group (clade) and are genetically indistinguishable from each other. Przewalski's horse has several unique genetic differences that distinguish it from the other subspecies, including 66 instead of 64 chromosomes, unique Y-chromosome gene haplotypes, and unique mtDNA haplotypes. Besides genetic differences, osteological evidence from across the Eurasian wild horse range, based on cranial and metacarpal differences, indicates the presence of only two subspecies in postglacial times, the tarpan and Przewalski's horse.

Binomial Name:

Name : Equus ferus
Taxonomist : Pieter Boddaert (Middelburg - Netherlands)
Year : 1785
Subspecies : 3 (Caballus, Przewalskii, Ferus)
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Endangered

An Endangered (EN) species is a species which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as likely to become extinct. "Endangered" is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations in the IUCN's schema after Critically Endangered (CR).

Many nations have laws that protect conservation-reliant species: for example, forbidding hunting, restricting land development or creating preserves. Population numbers, trends and species' conservation status can be found in the lists of organisms by population.

Philatelic Issues

2016 – Uruguay – Stamp 2 of 3, from Remarkable Women Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: March 8th, 2016
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamps Series
Value: UYP 20

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 27 mm. x 39 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – INSECTS – BUTTERFLIES – BUNICHUS PARIDES (PARIDES BUNICHUS)

Animals - Insects - Butterflies

Bunichus Parides (Parides bunichus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Paplionidae
Genus : Parides
Species : P. Bunichus

Description:

The Bunichus Parides (Parides bunichus) is a butterfly of the family Papilionidae. It is found in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.

The larva is brownish black, with an oblique white band, extending laterally from the 6th segment to the tubercle on the 7th. The pupal stage lasts three weeks.

The butterfly is very common and is one of the earliest spring species (August). From August to April there are at least three generations.

Binomial Name:

Name : Parides bunichus
Taxonomist : Jacob Hübner (Augsburg - Germany)
Year : 1821
Subspecies : 5 (Bunichus, Chamissonia, Damocrates, Diodorus, Perrhebus)
Synonyms : Many

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2003 – Uruguay – Stamp 4 of 4, from Butterflies Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: March 18th, 2003
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 12

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 23 mm. x 35 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – INSECTS – BUTTERFLIES – BANDED ORANGE HELICONIAN (DRYADULA PHAETUSA)

Animals - Insects - Butterflies

Banded orange heliconian (Dryadula phaetusa)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Nymphalidae
Genus : Dryadula
Species : D. Phaetusa

Description:

Dryadula is a monotypic genus of the butterfly family Nymphalidae. Its single species, Dryadula phaetusa, known as the Banded orange heliconian, Banded orange, or Orange tiger, is native from Brazil to central Mexico, and in summer can be found rarely as far north as central Florida. Its wingspan ranges from 86 to 89 mm, and it is colored a bright orange with thick black stripes in males and a duller orange with fuzzier black stripes in females.

It feeds primarily on the nectar of flowers and on bird droppings; its caterpillar feeds on passion vines including Passiflora tetrastylis. It is generally found in lowland tropical fields and valleys.

This species is unpalatable to birds and belongs to the "orange" Batesian mimicry complex.

Prior to their mating season, males of this species congregate by the hundreds on patches of moist soil that contain mineral salts (mud-puddling). When they cannot find such deposits, the insects visit various animals to drink salty secretions from their skin and nostrils.

The genus Dryadula Michner, 1942, is monotypic; the type species is Papilio phaetusa Linnaeus, 1758 (Syst. Nat. 10 ed., 1: 478). The type locality, given as "Indiis", is supposed to refer to the West Indies or northern South America.

Binomial Name:

Name : Dryadula phaetusa
Taxonomist : Carl Linnaeus (Småland - Sweden)
Year : 1758
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2003 – Uruguay – Stamp 3 of 4, from Butterflies Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: March 18th, 2003
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 12

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 23 mm. x 35 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – INSECTS – BUTTERFLIES – MANGROVE BUCKEYE (JUNONIA EVARETE)

Animals - Insects - Butterflies

Mangrove buckeye (Junonia evarete)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Nymphalidae
Genus : Junonia
Species : J. Evarete

Description:

The Mangrove buckeye (Junonia evarete) also called West Indian buckeye or tropical buckeye, is a neotropical nymphalid butterfly found from Florida and the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, to tropical and subtropical South America. The type locality is Surinam, and numerous subspecies have been described. The synonymy is extensive, and older literature must be used with caution. The butterfly is easily confused with Junonia genoveva, which is also known as the mangrove buckeye.

Binomial Name:

Name : Junonia evarete
Taxonomist : Pieter Cramer (Amsterdam - Netherlands)
Year : 17779
Subspecies : Many
Synonyms : Many

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2003 – Uruguay – Stamp 2 of 4, from Butterflies Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: March 18th, 2003
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 12

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 23 mm. x 35 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated