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Butterflies for Release

Last Modified: March 29, 2024

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.