Hello! I'm from Chicago!

[lectricblueyes]

Good morning!  I'm from Chicago.  I want to buy some mantids but I'm concerned about breaking laws.  Is there any conclusive evidence that it is illegal to buy/sell specimen who's origins are outside of the U.S.A?  It seems that since these guys eat other bugs and don't kill crops/trees it would be a no-brainer but, what's the deal?

 

[steeve]

Hi there!! Welcome!

A good rule of thumb is if it's alive then it shouldn't be shipped in from other countries, this includes even things like seeds and leaves. With mantids and exotic bugs, it depends on the state; in my state they aren't considered exotic animals (only mammals are) and are therefore legal to keep without a permit (but not import). I think other states require an exotic animal permit to ship in exotic animals but shipping from other states is ok... It all depends on where you live. I used https://www.animallaw.info but there's tons of other sites to help you check your local laws.

There's plenty of breeders in America so you shouldn't have to import mantises in! The general concensus is they're safe to keep as long as they were bred in this country. Plus, shipping from other countries takes a long time and is very unreliable. Check out https://www.mantisplace.com, https://www.mantidkingdom.com, https://www.panterrapets.com, http://shop.bugsincyberspace.com, and this forum's sellers section!

 

[Rick]

Welcome.

Were you a member before? Username looks very familiar. 

 

[hibiscusmile]

Welcome

 

[Connor]

Welcome! I believe the laws are different in different states... as far as where I live I believe I can buy any species as long as it is not shipped from another country. Just DONT release non-natives into the wild!