60 Dead Butterflies, Moths Seized By Customs In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Sixty dead butterflies sent from Portugal to Pennsylvania were seized by Customs and Border Protection agents recently, according to federal authorities.

The discovery was made May 2 in a parcel that was headed to an address in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, authorities said.

Customs agriculture specialists initially inspected the parcel, manifested as "pieces of silk to be used in works," on May 2.

The parcel instead contained dried out pupal cases and over 60 envelopes containing dead adult moth and butterfly specimens of the order Lepidoptera, authorities said.

The parcel was seized and reported the discovery to inspectors with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which regulates the importation of wildlife, including dead specimens. Importers must be licensed and declare imports to the agency.

The parcel did not contain import certifications, invoices, or other documentation that would have declared the scientific species names or the purpose for this shipment, officials said.

CBP agriculture specialists detained the parcel and turned it over to inspectors on May 3.

"Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists have a very challenging and critical mission, and that is to protect our vital agricultural resources against the accidental or deliberate introduction of invasive insect pests, and plant and animal diseases that could harm our nation’s economic vitality," Tater Ortiz, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia, said.

CBP agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in the biological sciences and agricultural inspection, and they inspect tens of thousands of international air passengers, and air and sea cargo being imported to the United States every day, officials said.

During a typical day, CBP agriculture specialists across the nation seized 2,677 prohibited plant, meat, animal byproducts, and soil, and intercepted 240 insect pests at U.S. ports of entry, according to customs.