As of now, the USDA requires permits for all non-native insects and for all herbivorous non-insect invertebrates, i.e. Australian stick insects, Asian mantids and African millipedes are covered, Vietnamese centipedes are not. Technically, even the hissing roaches that are in so many classrooms throughout the country are included in the permit requirements (in fact, just this week Florida Fish and Game began an investigation into the various species of roaches being sold instate). All sorts of insects are sold openly without permits, and have been for decades, so how all will play out is anyone’s guess…actually, now that I think of it, even the common pet trade house cricket and super mealworms are not native…

I’ve been through the permitting process as few times, and it is quite tedious. Permits have been granted to private individuals…usually long-established importers with a significant collection. In the past, exceptions had been granted for those seeking to keep male invertebrates only, but I’m not sure if this still being done.

Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.