CA insect laws

[Stickytoe]

Hi all--

wondering what exactly the legality of keeping
Panchlora nivea and Eurycotis decipiens in CA is.

There is a list of insects that are LEGAL to import into CA, which these species do not appear on, however I am interested to know if these species were obtained from a seller WITHIN CA, is it therefore legal to keep them?

anyone know? I couldn't find this info out on the USDA website, so any info would be appreciated!

 

[arachnocat]

There are several people in our state that have been selling them in their online stores for years so I figure it's probably ok. If they were illegal they wouldn't be allowed to openly sell them. That's just my thinkin though. :?

I know the USDA doesn't regulate insects shipped WITHIN the state so you might want to give the California department of fish and game a call. They might be able to give you more info.

 

[dtknow]

But if they were illegal to bring into the state, whoever did so violated the LACY act...thus their offspring would not be legal.

I'd talk to James of blaberus.com I understand he is in the know on this stuff.

 

[Matt K]

A few thoughts on the matter:

Panchlora nivea naturally occur in the southern US, so they are probably legal.

The USDA does not list species specifically, just genera that fall into "plant pest" categories which is loosely defined.

Eurycotis decipiens is officially cultured as a type of "feeder insect", and like Madagascan hissers should be just as legal.

People can "openly sell" anything and still may or may not get caught if it is not legal. The government is overwhelmed with livestock issues and not all of them get the govt.'s attention.

The USDA and APHIS do regulate all livestock transport in/out of the country, across state lines and within-state transfer of livestock. However they leave the regulations up to local authorities to enforce to a point which varies from state to state.

California laws are more explicit for a variety of commercial reasons. James at Blaberus.com is very familiar with many of them. However, I believe that both Panchlora nivea and Eurycotis decipiens are both legal in California as "feeder insects"...