USDA permits

[Paul C Weaver]

I am a concerned entomologist , who is requiring about certain USDA
permits and what is involved both with obtaining and possibly changing
some of the requirements  (i.e. the political aspect).  I am going to ask
the question that most all LEP breeders want to know but are afraid to
ask.

1)  What is the rule on transport of both moths and butterflies between
states (live specimens be they pupae, ovae, larvae, or adults).  Where do
you get the permits and what is involved.  How is the USDA plannig on
enforcing this rule?  

2)  What is the rule on having  native lepidoptera in an exhibit for
zoological and conservation purposes.  What about for breeding these
native leps in this type setting.

Reason and example: The local zoo here in the town I live in is setting up
a butterfly exhibit of local specimens.  They are not allow to breed these
butterflies under any condition.  They have to buy pupae constantly
because of the USDA (no wonder people don't know about butterflies and
moths).  They will not have a single larval foodplant in the exhibit (so
much of public education which in my opinion would be the whole point of
the exhibit).  I see this as a total waste of money (purchase of pupae
with private and taxpayers money) and education/conservation (having to
show larval foodplants outside the exhibit at best).  Just having nectur
plants in a garden is only half the equation and will do little for
conservation.


3)  What is the rule on getting/having an exotic lepidoptera permit.  Can
you get a permit for breeding exotic lepidoptera?  The permit that I am
aware of will only let you import one sex.  This is not a good way to
insure a breeding stock of exotic Leps.

4) What is the USDA definition of a pest species?  From what I can tell it
is any herbivore period.  How would this relate to insects that eat pest
plants (stinging nettle would be considered a pest plant by most
agricultural farmers not to mention Kudzo).  

5) Why does the USDA release non-native insects into the environment to
control pest species which are of agricultural importance?


Some governments have strict regulations on the rearing of exotics and
some governments support and encourage exotic breeding. It sure would be
nice to have an exotic insect fair like the ones in Europe. It would be
nice to have an insect fair in my state period or in the states around
mine.   


Thanks,
PAUL

BTW Please don't answer with a web page to look at.  I want to know from
real people.  Hold back no details and post to all people on this list
server.