Starting a new thread as another one was getting hacked, and that was not fair to its author. You can read what prompted this thread by checking out Sandys "Saturniidae moth found in Laos".

Generally, in Sandy's thread questions came up about bringing livestock of exotic species home from trips, the legality of it, the possibility of releasing them in this country and how exhibits obtain their livestock.

I totally agree with Susan that non indigenous organisms should not be released ever, and will add that non indigenous plants should not be planted outside of the control of a responsible horticulturist. But maybe some clarification is in orderÂ

Release... While it is true that many non indigenous species of Lepidoptera might get a foothold here in the US, it depends on what family of bug, what habitat they need, what family of host plants they use and whether those plants (or close cousins to them) do in fact thrive naturally in this country in the wild or other large tracks as crops or ornamentals. IOW, many species of leps from other countries have a very narrow LFP base and would not find anything for their larva to eat here even if released and a mating occurred. It is possible though that some of these species could get a start on non indigenous plants that already have a blanket OK in this country as ornamentals and are sold through nurseries, seed/bulb houses, etc. But their chances would probably be very limited just because those plants are not widespread. However, there are also many, many species from other countries that would easily find both suitable habitat and acceptable LFPÂs here without problem. Naturally, still possible with any species ONLY if a pair managed to find each other to breed, found something suitable to oviposit on and the imago, ovum, larvae and pupae all survived all the new predators and disease theyÂll face. Even then it would take several occurrences in a relatively small area for a second or third generation. Intergrading with very close cousins that are indigenous here might also be possible, but it would take many of those pairings to have any lasting effect on the gene pool of the indigenous species. Regardless, the responsible bottom line is do not release ANY bug in ANY location that you are not POSITIVE already supports that EXACT same species naturally.

Exhibits... While some museums may only bring in chrysalides for their displays as suggested, not all of them do. Some have viable breeding populations in controlled environments to replenish their displays with or get stock from private breeders. I personally have supplied (donated) livestock to some of them in years past.

Importing non indigenous species into the US Up front I have to say that I have not imported/exported any Lepidoptera for several years, so cannot say for certain if the regulations have changed with the breakdown of the ESA (Endangered Species Act) under the Bush Administration and/or 9/11. So please check before attempting any import/exports if you intend to do them. The way it was Only Hawaii implemented a wide scale clamp-down many years ago after learning the hard way from intentional and accidental introductions that has reached plague levels in their tropical habitat. Importing Lepidoptera or their livestock into the continental states legally only required a pre approved import declaration from the US Fish & Wildlife Service Law Enforcement, and nowhere on that form is there any requirement to justify the importation. All it required was the name/address of the foreign consignor (shipper) and the US importer of record (you), taxonomy/common name, quantity of each, live or dead, cash value and country of origin. As long as they were collected legally (Lacey Act) and not a species that requires other permits because of species status (CITES/ESA, if the country of origin required their own collecting or export permit, etc), it was usually approved without further action by the USFWSLE and the bugs would pass through US Customs with no problems. With the approved permit, it was a simple matter to send a photocopy to the shipper to include with the package, and based on what country it would ship from a copy would already be at the US portal that countries shipments pass through.

You could also be both the shipper and importer for sending stock home while in a foreign country, or carrying it back through Customs. Shipping would be a bunch easier than dealing with Customs in person on the trip home.

Added this thread because some of the gang here does travel to other countries and would pay attention to the bugs where they visit. I just donÂt want to see any of you step over lines you might regret later because of not knowing some of the ins and outs of the regulations. US Customs agents are not Lepidopterists, so they need all the help we can give them to make it as painless as possible.

Prosecutions have happened, but they are very rare and generally they have only gone after those who have knowingly, intentionally and blatantly broken the laws large scale. Most celebrated in the US is probably the Skalski/Kral/Grinnell case from the early 90Âs. I knew all three of them, had a pretty good idea of what they were doing (although not how big of an operation it was) and was very pleased when they got took down. Unfortunately they let them all off way too easy IMO.

Larry