There's An Underground Market For Lucrative Beetles; They Were Smuggled Into Philly: Feds

PHILADELPHIA — A package of large, lucrative beetles was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Philadelphia. Authorities say there's an illegal, underground market for that.

The package, labeled as a children's toy, was being shipped in air cargo from North Carolina to Germany. CBP officers in Philadelphia inspected the outbound parcel on Aug. 18 and found three large live beetles, a container of beetle parts and two shadow boxes used to display insect specimens, the federal agency said.

Entomologists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified the live bugs as female Chief Goliath beetles. They were packed alongside three dead stag beetles.

Native to African rainforests, Chief Goliaths are among the world's largest beetles, growing up to 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) long. They've become increasingly rare in the wild.

Exotic insects are highly popular among collectors and insect enthusiasts, and they get illegally sold through underground markets, the CBP says. Chief Goliaths illegally sell for thousands of dollars.

Live beetles — regardless of rarity — are still wildlife, and they require permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to import or export. The agency is investigating potential violations of federal wildlife laws.