Before planning an entomological trip, check the local regulations in force. Most countries now have very strict regulations (particularly tropical countries) and every year entomologists find themselves in the newspapers, in prison and facing heavy fines for ignoring these regulations of which they were unaware. An Italian was arrested in Sri Lanka, a Japanese man in Costa Rica, etc.
In many cases, it is feasible to obtain a permit and therefore to collect in complete safety and serenity.
(see collecting rules below, no collecting permit needed in French Guiana)
Insect collecting rules per country
This list of legal rules per country concerning insect collecting was compiled by our friend Chris Grinter, who has done an excellent job and has authorized us to reproduce it here on InsectNet so that all collectors are familiar with the rules in force in the different countries of the world. If you have any comments, please feel free to write to us.
Insect collecting permits per country : rules and how to get them
Note that these rules are for local collecting permits. Some bureaucratic countries like the USA impose some “import/export” permits to bring your dead insects back home. Read our article here about that.
Note also that rules for importing “live insect” are very tough everywhere as invasive species may be imported and destroy a part of local agriculture.
How to improve your chance to get an insect collecting permit ?
As you can see, it is often possible to obtain permits from abroad, even in countries with a reputation for being difficult. Here is our advice:
- start preparing well in advance (at least one year in advance),
- join a museum, university or recognized association that can recommend you, as this will help you obtain the permit,
- publish scientific papers to demonstrate your seriousness,
- contact local entomologists or specialists in these countries, they will be able to advise you on the procedure and the people to contact as a priority,
- respect the terms of the permit,
- remember to thank the people and institutes who granted you the permit in all future publications. Offer them to be a co-author.
By approaching the permit application process with respect and anticipation, you will have the best chance of success!
List of pro-science countries
Some countries are always very welcoming to entomologists. There are no collection permits or they are very easy to obtain. These countries have understood that amateur entomology advances science and our knowledge of the world of insects. And that a few collectors are not going to threaten insects at the bottom of the food chain and therefore resistant to enormous predation.
Don’t hesitate to visit these countries on your next entomological expedition.
- France, (no permit, see rules above)
- French Guiana (no permit, see rules above)
- Italy (no permit, see rules above)
- Japan (no permit, see rules above)
- Thailand (no permit, see rules above)
We hope this article has been helpful and wish you an excellent entomological expedition in accordance with the rules and in complete serenity.
We hope this article has been helpful and wish you an excellent entomological expedition in accordance with the rules and in complete serenity.
Failure to follow the rules can result in serious legal and reputational issues for you. Don’t underestimate the risk, take the time to do things by the book, it’s worth it!
