New postage stamp highlights Populus tremula and Saperda carcharias
On 9 April, Omniva will issue a new postage stamp in the Estonian Forest Trees series, dedicated to Populus tremula and Saperda carcharias. For the first time in the series, this year’s stamp highlights not only a tree species, but also an insect closely associated with it, drawing attentionto the biodiversity of Estonia’s forests. The stamp was designed by Jaan Saar, who has also designed the previous stamps in the series.
“The Estonian Forest Trees postage stamp series was launched five years ago out of a desire to present Estonia’s native tree species to the public as part of our nature and culture, while portraying them in a way that is both scientifically accurate and visually engaging. This year’sPopulus tremula stamp and First Day Cover reveal not only the tree’s main characteristics, but also its hidden world – the diversity of species associated with it, represented by Saperda carcharias, the forest insect of the year. In this way, one tree can reveal the diversity of the wholeforest,” said Ivar Sibul, Associate Professor of Dendrology and Forest Entomology at the Estonian University of Life Sciences and initiator of the series.
“The 2026 issue brings a fresh and educational approach to the series by combining a tree and an insect species associated with it on a single stamp. At the centre of the stamp is the aspen – one of the most characteristic trees in Estonian landscapes. Alongside the tree, the stamp alsodepicts Saperda carcharias, whose life cycle is closely linked to the aspen,” said Hannes Nagel, Head of Philately at Omniva.
The First Day Cover adds an educational dimension to the issue.
“Special attention should also be paid to the First Day Cover, both sides of which provide a thorough overview of the ecological importance of the aspen and the life cycle of Saperda carcharias. In this way, the issue serves not only as a collectible, but also as educational material fornature enthusiasts and younger generations,” added Nagel.
The stamp costs EUR 1.80 and is suitable for domestic letters. The print run is 25,000. The stamp is available in Omniva’s e-shop and post offices across Estonia. The First Day cancellation will be available at the Tallinn Kaubamaja post office.
In 2026, Omniva will issue more than 40 postage stamps highlighting important themes and events in the history and culture of the Estonian state and society. Omniva’s stamps are printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC label confirms that the woodused in the production of the paper comes from responsibly managed forests.