New stamps capture the magic of bioluminescent species using holographic material

The mysterious and breathtaking world of bioluminescent life is being immortalised in a new set of stamps in the US.

Unveiled by the US Postal Service, the 10 stamps are a part of the new Bioluminescent Life Forever collection and feature photographs of live specimens that were taken by scientists.

Although the stamps don’t glow in the dark, they incorporate a holographic effect that is highly reflective in white light.

Jeffrey Williamson, executive vice president of the US Postal Service, said: “These stamps were created so that they reflect back light to mimic the effect of bioluminescence.

“Much like the magical creatures we’re celebrating today, these stamps are truly dazzling.”

Deep-ocean octopus (Stauroteuthis syrtensis)

The image appeared on the cover of Nature magazine because it proved to be an example of evolution caught in the act – showing light-emitting suckers.

Midwater jellyfish (Atolla vanhoeffeni)

Deep-sea comb jelly (Bathocyroe fosteri)

Although it has a transparent body, its gut contains pigment that helps mask the light emitted by its luminescent prey.

Bamboo coral (Keratoisis flexibilis)

Rubbing up against this coral releases large amounts of slime and has been described as lighting up “like a Christmas tree”.

Marine worm (Flota)

It was collected in the Gulf of California in 2003 at a depth of 957m below sea level. This marine worm emits blue-green light.

Crown jellyfish (Atolla wyvillei)

Sea pen (Umbellula)

Mushroom cluster (Mycena lucentipes)

There are only about 85 of these glow-in-the-dark wonders named and recorded from around the world.

Firefly (Lampyridae)

Marine worm (Tomopteris)

Unlike most animals in the ocean which emit blue or green bioluminescent light, this worm is one of the very few that glows yellow instead.