USDA will only consider permits for the following species for release into the environment depending on where the butterflies are coming from and where they are being sent:
Agraulis vanillae * Danaus plexippus (see note) Heliconius charitonius Heraclides cresphontes Nymphalis antiopa Papilio polyxenes Vanessa atalanta Vanessa cardui Vanessa virgiensis |
Note: *For the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, USDA does not issue permits for interstate movement across the continental divide for release into the environment. ![]() |