Commercial selling of butterflies

[Semjase]

>The USDA does regulate the interstate movement of plant pests. 
>Therefore, I suspect that they require permits for the interstate
>movement of butterflies for release, but I don't know for sure.
>
>In Hawaii, it is illegal, by state law, to import any live butterflies
>into Hawaii.  We have a couple of companies which rear monarchs for
>release at special occasions.  They can do this as long as the monarchs
>are caught and reared from populations within the State.  Shipments
>between islands also need to be cleared by the Hawaii Department of
>Agriculture. 
>
>Other species of butterflies which are considered to be pest species,
>such as citrus swallowtail, cabbage white, and banana skipper, etc., are
>not allowed for rearing and release.
>
>Neil Reimer
>Entomologist
>Hawaii Department of Agriculture
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The use of the term "plant pest" when it is of no agricultural or economic
importance is rather inaccurate to say the least.  This practice should not be
encouraged.

S.