0.10CHF, Emperor dragonfly (Anax imperator)

The Anax imperator is one of our most impressive dragonflies and is found at lower altitudes around stagnant waters. This tireless, acrobatic flier can catch even fast-flying insects with incredible skill and precision. It is also helped by the fact that its large, compound eyes give the emperor dragonfly the keenest sight in the insect world. Anax imperator lives for one year in the water as a larva, feeding on all kinds of minute crea-tures.

0.20CHF, Dark green fritillary (Mesoacidalia aglaja)

Mesoacidalia aglaja is found almost everywhere in Europe, usually at the edges of woods, in forest meadows and pastures up to the tree line. It seeks out mainly yellow and blue composites, such as elecampane, ox-eye daisies and thistles. The cater-pillar lives on various types of violet, feeding on their leaves. It pupates on the ground in a cocoon which it prepares for itself in moss or grass.

0.50CHF, Rosalia long-horn beetle (Rosalia alpina)

Rosalia alpina is one of the most attractive but, unfortunately also one of the rarest, beetles found in Switzerland. Natural beech woods on chalk-rich soil provide its habitat. The female lays her eggs in sunny spots in crevices in dead or decaying copper beech trees, where the larvae develop. Following the intensification of forestry management, this magnificent beetle has now become extremely rare and must be considered as being threatened with extinction everywhere in Europe.

1.00CHF, Tree bug (Graphosoma lineatum)

People tend to associate the word "bug" with bed bugs, forgetting that all other native species of bugs are harmless to humans. The striped Graphosoma lineatum shown here is a member of the shield bug family which suck out the sap of various plants. It feeds on umbellifers and may be found in large numbers in warm, natural meadows. If this bug feels threatened in any way, it secretes a foul-smelling liquid.