importing NZ velvet worms and giant springtails?

[hecklad]

Does anyone know of people who are capable of importing either of those things to the US or already has them here? I am especially interested in the holacanthella but can't find anything on their care requirements; if anyone has some input it would be greatly appreciated.

(On a side note I don't have a single clue about how the importation stuff works or of the requirements, so any insight on that would be appreciated as well)

 

[NYAN]

I beleove NZ is a closed country.

 

[Arthroverts]

There are a few people here in the US with NZ velvet worms, but I don't know who they are or where, just that they are here already. You can legally import them via Reptile Express from Europe/Canada as well however if you can't find anybody in the US willing to let some go.

No clue on the Giant Springtails though.

Hope this helps,

Arthroverts

 

[mantisfan101]

If the springtails are from NZ then there’s basically zero chance of them reaching the US.

 

[hecklad]

I guess I'll have to give up on the springtails for now and work on getting some of those velvet worms. Thanks for the input guys

 

[wizentrop]

I've tried keeping Holacanthella in the past when I had research and collecting permits from NZ. My conclusion was that it is impossible in the long term, unless you have a good source of decomposing Nothofagus wood and the associated fungi and moss. They did not accept any other substrate, and eventually died off.

 

[wizentrop]

As for velvet worms, get yourself some Epiperipatus barbadensis that is now becoming available and can be easily kept at room temperature, and save yourself a headache

 

[hecklad]

I've tried keeping Holacanthella in the past when I had research and collecting permits from NZ. My conclusion was that it is impossible in the long term, unless you have a good source of decomposing Nothofagus wood and the associated fungi and moss. They did not accept any other substrate, and eventually died off.

It's awesome that you've been able to study them! Do you think that it would be possible to culture the fungus in seeded wood, and have them live off of that? Are they like the NZ velvets that need cooler temps?

As for velvet worms, get yourself some Epiperipatus barbadensis that is now becoming available and can be easily kept at room temperature, and save yourself a headache

I would love to have tropical ones over temperate but they seem to be less available, unless I just haven't looked in the right places. I also actually have a room in my house that is underground and has the "cave effect" where it stays about 60 degrees F year round, so keeping the NZ ones wouldn't be a big hassle, if I can even find them for sale

 

[wizentrop]

It is difficult to say whether the required microfauna (fungi or other microorganisms) for Holacanthella can be cultivated on other substrates, I guess no one really tested it because we don't know enough about these animals. Without doubt they need cooler temps, like many NZ animals and plants - at least that's my experience with them.
By the way, Australia also has giant springtails from the same family, and even though they are a bit smaller than Holacanthella, I would argue they just as pretty.

Epiperipatus barbadensis is already present in the hands of some hobbyists in the US.

 

[hecklad]

It is difficult to say whether the required microfauna (fungi or other microorganisms) for Holacanthella can be cultivated on other substrates, I guess no one really tested it because we don't know enough about these animals. Without doubt they need cooler temps, like many NZ animals and plants - at least that's my experience with them.
By the way, Australia also has giant springtails from the same family, and even though they are a bit smaller than Holacanthella, I would argue they just as pretty.

Do you think it might be possible to get/keep some of those? Or maybe the species from New Caledonia?

I haven't been able to find anyone in the US with epiperipatus for sale

 

[wizentrop]

With Australian laws regarding exporting species, who knows. NZ and Australia are pretty similar in their ban of export/import.

The velvet worms were only legally imported to the US in the last couple of months for breeding purposes at selected locations. It will take some time before they establish and there are any for sale. I'm pretty sure there will be more imports next year from the Canadian source, either myself or @AbraxasComplex.

 

[Arthroverts]

Do you think it might be possible to get/keep some of those? Or maybe the species from New Caledonia?

I haven't been able to find anyone in the US with epiperipatus for sale

I believe @AbraxasComplex is going to be exporting to the US again in the Spring. If I were you I'd get on the list as quick as I could, as they go fast.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[AbraxasComplex]

Yes, I will be arranging an import for spring of next year. I have a decent sized group with young available.

A group of people usually get together to split shipping and import fees, however the fees are not too expensive if done by yourself (around $350).

 

[hecklad]

Yes, I will be arranging an import for spring of next year. I have a decent sized group with young available.

A group of people usually get together to split shipping and import fees, however the fees are not too expensive if done by yourself (around $350).

How do I sign up?

 

[AbraxasComplex]

How do I sign up?

Send me a message. I need to start compiling a list with names, quantity, and contact information.