Platymeris sp (Mombo Assassin Bug)

[Galapoheros]

Ha!, thread got nutty! That gov stance sucks. Anyway, pretty cool looking bugs. I found an assassin today under a rock. I was looking for other stuff. I've never collected them but I see them often. It was solid black. I picked it up knowing what it was and almost brought it back with me. It was only about 1.5 cm. Strong looking, bulbous shiny black legs compared to the ones I usually see on plants. I should've taken a pic:wall: . Nice scorp Copper. I saw one of my P. trans molt. Scared me a little because I didn't know they flipped on their back to protect those skinny legs .

 

[Stylopidae]

The USDA must realize people keep these insects and others as pets. Why don't they make a list of illegal bugs for hobbyists? I still don't understand why they keep it so vague. I guess it's because they will have a harder time catching people if the insect trade goes underground. But if they really don't want these bugs in the US wouldn't they want people to know they're illegal so they don't buy or sell something without knowing any better? It's just screwed up I think.

The answer all comes back to money. They can ban things just because they feel like it. See a thread called calling out the USDA for more info.

Interestingly enough, the USDA is stepping on US fish and wildlife's toes using the diet technicalities and honeybees as excuse to have juristiction...I'm wondering how long this will last before USFW gets fed up.