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.