24 replies to this topic

[RushmoreAnts]

It's legal to buy or sell any species of Ants in the US as long as there's a permit for transport. Legal to own P. Rhea but it's illegal to import or export without a permit for transport.

Yes, this is 100% correct. A reputable ant shop will tell you which states they have permits to sell to.

Does the seller have to apply for a new permit each time for the same species or just once? Does the permit for that specific species expire?

They need a different permit for each state they want to ship to.

[Culture321]

After they get the permit to the state they're trying to transport to, do they need to apply again?

[RushmoreAnts]

After they get the permit to the state they're trying to transport to, do they need to apply again?

Permits are good for as many shipments as you can send for up to 3 years after the permit is issued. After 3 years you need to reapply.

 

Also each species requires a different permit. So if you have colonies of Pogonomyrmex barbatus and Pogonomyrmex rugosus and you want to ship them to Arizona and Nevada from California, you will need 4 permits:

 

Permit to ship Pogonomyrmex barbatus from California to Arizona

Permit to ship Pogonomyrmex barbatus from California to Nevada

Permit to ship Pogonomyrmex rugosus from California to Arizona

Permit to ship Pogonomyrmex rugosus from California to Nevada

Edited by RushmoreAnts, August 2 2025 - 3:27 PM.

[jeffpbalderston]

Or just call a agent at APHIS 1 (844)
820-2234.

You can also speak to a agent from USDA in Maryland +1 202-720-2791

Edited by jeffpbalderston, August 2 2025 - 3:54 PM.

[Culture321]

Jeff Balderston u got any P. Rhea Qs?