Extraordinary Indictment: Remarkable American Trafficking of Rare Insects

Birdwing butterflies, known for their rarity and magnificent 10-inch wingspans, flutter through the rainforests of Southeast Asia and Australia. A recent indictment by the US Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn reveals the illegal trafficking of these endangered creatures, particularly the birdwings whose numbers have been declining due to habitat loss and poaching. Charles Limmer, a 75-year-old Long Island man, is accused of collaborating with overseas partners to smuggle approximately 1,000 lepidoptera, including some of the world’s scarcest and most endangered moths and butterflies. This illegal activity has allowed Limmer to profit tens of thousands of dollars over the past year, exploiting the rarity and allure of these creatures.

Federal authorities uncovered Limmer’s smuggling operation, which involved labeling shipments as innocent items like “decorative wall coverings,” “origami paper craft,” and “wall decorations.” These mislabeled packages allowed Limmer to circumvent US laws and profit from the sale of these protected species. The Fish and Wildlife Service prohibits the commercial export or import of wildlife without proper authorization, which becomes even more stringent when dealing with endangered species. Limmer’s federal license to import and export wildlife was suspended in October 2022, after which he continued to illegally trade specimens, resulting in over $200,000 worth of shipments.

Limmer’s illegal activity was further exposed through his online sales on platforms like eBay and Etsy. The eBay page associated with “limmerleps” shows thousands of sales, primarily consisting of moths and butterflies. The presence of birdwing specimens for sale suggests that these rare creatures were part of Limmer’s illegal trade. Similarly, the Etsy page connected to a seller named “Limmer” displays multiple ads for birdwings, including a collection of five specimens with an asking price of $133. The indictment seeks to confiscate Limmer’s entire collection of illegally procured butterflies, moths, and other insects, amounting to approximately 1,000 specimens. (Read more butterflies stories.)