Phyllium philippinicum Legal?

[buggygirl]

I understand all non-native phasmids are in fact illegal in the US, however, I found a link for Phyllium philippinicum being sold by Backwater Reptiles. I was wondering if the Leaf Insect was a particular case that happened to be legal? Or if Backwater was participating in some shady stuff per usual...Just would like some clarification as a hobbyist looking to acquire one if possible.

Here's the link:
http://www.backwaterreptiles.com/invertebrates/leaf-insect-for-sale.html

 

[pannaking22]

I'd say shady stuff per usual considering it's Backwater Reptiles. They may be claiming they have them, but it could be a completely different species. That said, phasmids would still be covered under the Lacey Act and would technically be illegal to own unless you're a zoo or university doing research on them. If you wanted to keep them personally you would have to fill out a good amount of paperwork and have a couple inspections done to make sure they couldn't escape. I know they've been popping up more frequently in the US lately on sellers' lists, but I personally wouldn't take the chance. Non-native phasmids, Orthoptera, and Coleoptera are at the top of the FWS/USDA-APHIS list, so the risks would be higher if caught illegally keeping them. Can all three groups be found in the hobby here? Yes. But that doesn't mean that FWS is going to turn a blind eye forever.

 

[chanda]

As far as I know, they are still illegal to import or own in the US, as are all other exotic phasmids. Just because they're illegal doesn't mean they aren't here, though. I've also seem Extatosoma tiaratum for sale at some of the So Cal expos and on Craigslist, a few years back. It's altogether possible that people bought them, not knowing they were illegal - and if they didn't know, they could then pass on the offspring to others. Of course, someone like Backwater should know better, but I think it's just a matter of them hoping/assuming that they won't get caught.

The only exotic phasmids I could potentially see an argument for being ok to have are the Indian stick insects that have already been introduced and established themselves in places like San Diego. It still wouldn't make them legal - but when you can go right outside and catch them in your yard, it's probably not really enforced, either, unless you were trying to sell them or transport them out of state.

 

[Earthworm Soul]

Underground Reptiles has phasmids for sale too. Is there a link to a specific law forbidding them? The APHIS site looks like it's only concerned with importation.

 

[Dark]

"These are only available for sale to permitted educational facilities or entomologists. " Right off the site

Eric

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

"These are only available for sale to permitted educational facilities or entomologists. " Right off the site

Eric

Doesn't say that about the E. tiaratum on underground reptiles though.

 

[KevinsWither]

Just don't get them. Thats it. Backwater is sketchy too.