Things
insect traders
should know
Things insect traders should know
There are some restrictions on the collection and trade of insects in Thailand that you should know about.
1. Places you cannot collect
It is illegal to collect any wildlife in either National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries or Non-hunting Areas
without written permission from the Director-General of the Royal Forest Department. As insects were
included under the legal definition of wildlife in 1992 (The Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act
(1992)) insects cannot be collected in any of these areas. Those found collecting, or with insects
originating, from these areas will be prosecuted.
2. Insects you cannot collect
Thirteen insect taxa are listed (below) as protected in Thailand (Ministerial Regulation No. 4, 1995,
under the Wild Animal Preservation and Protection Act 1992, Article 6). These include species of
butterflies, moths and beetles. These protected species, whether alive or dead, or parts thereof, are
illegal to collect or have in your possession anywhere in Thailand.
Scientific Common Type
name*† Name
Cheirotonus Beetle
parryi
Cladagnathus Beetle
giraffa
Mouhotia Beetle
batesi
Mormolyce Violin Beetle Beetle
phyllodes
Actias spp. Luna Moths Moth
Lyssa zampa The Giant Moth
Uranid Moth
Bhutanitis spp. Swallowtails Butterfly
Meandrusa The Brown Butterfly
gyas Gorgon
Papilio The Banded Butterfly
palinurus Peacock
Papilio The Spangle Butterfly
protenor
Stichophthalma The Butterfly
spp. Junglequeens
Teinopalpus Kaiserhinds Butterfly
spp.
Troides spp. Birdwing Butterfly
Butterflies
* spp. indicates all species within the genus are covered;
†
this list is currently (July 2000) being reviewed and may change in the future
3. CITES
Thailand is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of
Wild Fauna and Flora which controls the export and import of endangered animal and plant species
listed in the Appendices to the Convention. Prior to export of any insect (dead, alive or part thereof)
listed in the CITES appendices (see table below) you must obtain permission from the CITES office
(see below).
Scientific Common Name
name*
Bhutanitis Swallowtails
spp.
Ornithoptera Birdwing Butterflies
spp.
Papilio chikae Luzon Peacock
Swallowtail
Papilio Homerus Swallowtail
homerus
Papilio Corsican Swallowtail
hospiton
Parnassius Apollo, Mountain
apollo Apollo, Apollo
Butterfly
Teinopalpus Kaiserhinds
spp.
Trogonoptera Birdwing Butterflies
spp.
Troides spp. Birdwing Butterflies
* spp. indicates all species within the genus are covered
Please note that the CITES regulations cover not only species found in Thailand but also those that may be imported from
other countries.
4. Laws of other nations
In addition to the laws of Thailand other countries also have their own laws relating to the importation of insects. In some cases it
is necessary to have documentation from Thailand certifying that the insects have been obtained in accordance with Thai laws
before the insects will be permitted entry into the country. Please ensure that you are aware of the import requirements of the
country into which you plan to import any insect and if you require certification please contact the CITES office (below) who can
provide this certification.
Photographs
The pictures included in this brochure are some examples of insects that can be found illegally traded in Thailand please do not
buy or sell these or any other protected insects.
The cover photograph is a Troides aeacus , wingspan 10.5-12.0CM
The symbols and used in this brochure represent male and female sexes respectively.
Further information
If you need more information please contact a provincial forestry office or contact the Forest Protection Office at the address
below:
Forest Protection Office
Royal Forest Department
61 Phahonyothin Rd
Chatujak, Bangkok 10 900
Ph: (02) 561 4292-3 ext.324
Fx: (02) 579 5266
Email: wildlife_protection@forest.go.th or entomology@forest.go.th
To contact the CITES office about import/export permits:
CITES Office
Royal Forest Department
61 Phahonyothin Rd
Chatujak, Bangkok 10 900
Ph: (02) 561 4292-3 ext. 709
Fx: (02) 561 4838
Email: cites@forest.go.th
www.forest.go.th/fig
More information about the Thai protected species found in the Thai language "Protected Insects" poster produced by the
Department of Agriculture and available from there.
______________________________________
"The Royal Forest Department" does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained within this material.
"The Royal Forest Department" shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including without
limitation, lost revenues or lost profits, which may result from the use of this material.
