Okay...I've read some posts lately this forum as well as some other butterfly websites about shipping butterflies across state lines.
I know we all mean well and want to promote butterfly conservation but there are regulations we should abide by.
I am not an expert on this subject but I do have a well worn copy of the CFR (US Code of Federal Regulations) sitting on my desk and I work together with USDA, FWS and TPWD. I'll try to clear up the confusion and reiterate the importance of safeguarding the USA and each state's plants and wildlife.
Moving butterflies, eggs, chrysalids and caterpillars within each individual state is okay - but then again, introducing a species into an area of the same state where it is not normally found, where it's not accustomed to the climate/geographical location, where there are no larval host plants to support it or other breedable butterflies is another issue for discussion :o)
First off "Butterflies" includes all viable life forms - eggs, caterpillars, chrysalids and live butterflies. (shipping host plants/plant material is another can of worms - you'll need to read up on each state's noxious weed laws)
USDA monitors the movement of nine species: Monarch, Gulf Fritillary, American Lady and Painted Lady, Zebra Longwing, Giant and Black Swallowtail, Red Admiral and Mourning Cloak.
Our US Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR 330) gives USDA the authority to control the movement of live butterflies and moths.
A Plant Pest Permit Plant Protection & Quarantine form PPQ 526 Application and Permit to Move Live Plant Pests for interstate transport is required (it is illegal to transport any other species). The permits are free and you don't need a permit for every person you send them to but you do need a permit for each state. Permits are normally issued for 3 years and you can request them online or from your local USDA office. You can import dead butterflies and moths from other countries into the USA without a permit but they are still subject to inspection at the port of entry - and yes, you must declare them - failure to declare is a violation of our US Code (19USC1497). This also applies to using the US Postal Service, United Parcel Service etc.
Here is a very helpful USDA Decision Chart listing those nine species.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/plantpest/butterflies/decision_chart.pdf
Here is the USDA form PPQ 526 information/instructions:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/plantpest/howtoapply.html
More information on USDA PPQ permit Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/FAQ.html
Hope this helped clear up the confusion :o)
~ Cat
This message was edited Jan 14, 2007 1:14 AM
Transporting butterflies/chrysalids etc. across state lines
Cat,
That's very interesting! But it also makes sense. I know why the Giant Swallowtail can't be shipped into Florida .... because they are considered rampant pests to the Citrus Industry, not as bad a canker, but still a problem. Mourning Cloak - I don't have a clue why that is prohibited? I am not familiar with this species..... yet. ;-)
Thanks, Cat. Very interesting info. Monarchs and Painted Ladies are what most Science Resource companies send to schools and individuals in the U.S. Probably because they are found in every state (Except Hawaii). That's interesting info about the Zebra Longwings. I wonder why?
I would not take any species of butterfly that was considered a pest in Florida or prohibited or not already naturalized in Florida. I know that Monarchs, Black Swallowtails, Gulf Fritillaries, and Painted Ladies are okay because those are some of the various eggs or cats or chrysalids offered by companies that sell them to Florida. And I certainly wouldn't take a chrysalis that is not a naturalized species to Florida or to my region. I also see the difference between some species of butterfly between the western states and the eastern states. They are not the same. Another no-no to do! Self-explanatory.
I'm not planning on taking everyone's butterflies. This was an unusual circumstance. The GF do not overwinter. Which was Deb's concern.
Thanks, Cat! Good info.
Does this mean that my school needs to apply for a permit to receive Monarch and Painted Lady cats and chyrsalis for our school science projects? And what about the Science kits that people get when they buy a Butterfly Cage kit and get a certificate for live cats? Inquiring minds want to know.
This message was edited Jan 14, 2007 7:51 AM
Thanks Cat, you did clear up a few things I was wondering about. These are the same links that I had looked thru recently also.
Becky, from what I read it and previously understood is that the permits are required to send them, not receive them. The companies that sell them have permits for those specific ones and only ship them to the allowed places. I think that relieves you of any responsibility on the receiving end of the purchase.
It does seem strange to require permits to ship butterflies that are already available in your own state, but then there are probably circumstances that we don't know about that lead to the decision. (or not..lol)
Like I said previously, I certainly wasn't trying to rain on anyone's parade or point any fingers, just pass along something I thought I had learned. I have had about 9 GF's eclose this last month and just released them when the weather was nice. I have a few blooming flowers in my yard still and then nature has to take care of the rest. I have one that eclosed yesterday and there is ice outside. It's inside now and will have to live on Gatorade etc. for a few days. Next year I will either not bring the cats inside or grow some flowers in pots for those late bloomers. I found there was a reason to the rhyme of nature in not saving them all.
Becky,
Am glad you saved those chrysalids from a freezing death :o)
Like I said before, we all mean well...was just posting the information for those who have asked questions before and aren't sure of the regulations and reasoning behind plant and pest control and the repercussions of introducing a butterfly or moth into an area where they are not 'naturally' found. It is mainly the sender's responsibility to be informed (not picking on anyone on this forum about this...but just keep in mind all those backyard/garage "vendors"). Oh, and destinations are checked/tracked too :o)
I guess what makes me mad is knowing luna moth cocoons and other species and exotics are sold on some auction sites. Although certain species don't have mouth parts or won't eat and their sole purpose in life is to breed once they emerge...but that doesn't make it right or humane. I guess the mentality behind that is they are going to die anyway within a few days so what difference does it make if they have no plans to release it or if there's no food source or other another to breed with. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
I don't remember what schools need to do or how things work with those cage kits. Am assuming the companies the school orders from already have the permits needed for the states they send those to. Butterfly farming is turning into a lucrative business - I don't think a large reputable company would want to tangle with the federal regulations...the penalties can easily go into the millions :o) The mom & pop/backyard garage type companies that are sprouting up on the internet and mail order venues are playing the odds of getting caught. This reminds me very much of those who sell counterfeit/bootlegged CDs and DVDs at the local fleamarkets. Every now and then there's a raid but again, it's just playing the odds of getting caught. Nickle and dime busts just don't have the umphfff of the million dollar ones :o)
Hmmm...I've never asked about the Zebra Longwings...we have those here and I know a lot of butterfly conservatories raise them in closed environments. Will have to ask or research that.
Alas, I love the look of Mourning Cloaks but we don't get them here :o( I also love the look of the Atala Hairstreak - native only to the southern tip of Florida - people say they are devasting cyads and the landscaping industry that uses those ornamentals. I've been growing their larval host since last year and can only hope some will get blown off course and end up in south Texas...and find their way to my yard :o)
Speaking of Gulf Frits...I found about half a dozen first instars on my passiflora earlier this week. Our night time temps are in the 50's and 60's but expected to go down into the freezing 30's in a few days. I've collected the cats I could find and am raising them inside. Our days have a good deal of warm sunlight but they are very windy... so hopefully by the time the GFs complete their life cycle our weather will be more agreeable. Finding them is strange...I haven't seen a GF in my yard in at least six weeks!!! Must've been a late Christmas present from a sneaky mama b'fly!!! Sure wish it had been a present from that Zebra Longwing that was in my yard last month.
~ Cat
ps...I know there are lots of fellow butterflies who want to save a butterfly's life but sometimes it's best left to Mother Nature. She does an excellent job of balancing predator and prey but it's usually when man gets involved that the balance is upset. I guess we could think a butterfly or two isn't that big of a deal...but if everyone thought the same...whoa!!!
I don't mean to rain on anybody's parade either but federal regulations are there for a specific reason. We tend to think of national security and terrorism as a battle between who has the biggest gun but eco-terrorism and bio-terrorism is a major concern...as it can easily come from an introduced pest. Devastate one of our main food crops like the grain/corn or citrus industry and the repercussions are unfathomable. Everything from the worms that feed on a plant to the birds that feed on the worm to the livestock/poultry that crop feeds to humans will be affected.
Rut roh...am I going overboard here? Whoooops!!! Okay, let's think of the positives. Like the efforts made to provide essential habitats and the re-introduction of the nearly extinct California Palos Verdes Blue, the Florida Schaus Swallowtail, the Oregon Silverspot, the New York Karner Blue and many others from all over the US. Let's think of the local butterflies we raise...guess if I raise and release a hundred or so Queens...then some lucky little bird sitting up in a tree will have a good dinner? Will then the Cooper's Hawk flying overhead have a plump little bird for breakfast? Hmmm...I better stop thinking so much or I'll sprain my brain :o) !!!
CONGRATULATIONS AND A BIG "HIGH FIVE" TO ALL OF US WHO RAISE AND RELEASE BUTTERFLIES AND PROMOTE BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION!!!
This message was edited Jan 14, 2007 12:02 PM
No offense taken, Cat! I find that information very interesting and helpful. And I am on the same page as you about protecting species that are sent to other areas where they have no host or nectar plants to sustain it after release. Definitely needs to be regulated! :-)