Insect diversity in Cambodian stamps: a philatelic and historical perspective

Abstract Art serves as a powerful medium in biodiversity conservation by integrating scientific knowledge with cultural expression and public engagement. Postage stamps, as a visual and widely accessible form of communication, offer a unique platform to highlight insect diversity and promote conservation awareness. This study systematically examines the diversity, publication trends, and accuracy of insect-themed postage stamps issued in Cambodia between 1969 and 2024. A total of 316 insect-themed stamps were documented from four major philatelic sources including Colnect, Stampworld, Masakazu, and Patrice, featuring 119 species across 94 genera, 25 families, and 7 insect orders. The majority of depictions belonged to Lepidoptera (52.8%) and Coleoptera (41.5%), with Coccinella septempunctata being the most frequently featured species (7.3%). However, only 27 species (22.7%) had confirmed records in Cambodia, indicating that most featured insects are non-native. Stamp issuance was minimal prior to 1980 and entirely absent during the conflict-ridden 1970s, but increased markedly during the Vietnamese administration (1979–1992), peaking in the 1990s. Several taxonomic inaccuracies were observed, including misspelled scientific names and incorrect classifications. These findings underscore the role of insect-themed stamps as reflections of national identity, cultural heritage, and biodiversity representation. It also highlights the importance of accurate taxonomic representation to enhance their educational and conservation value.