A 75-year-old man from New York, Charles Limmer, has been charged by federal prosecutors for allegedly smuggling over $200,000 worth of deceased, protected butterflies into and out of the United States. The butterflies, including rare birdwings, were smuggled through online retailers such as eBay and Etsy between October 2022 and September 2023. Birdwing butterflies are known for their large size and birdlike flight and are considered endangered and protected species.
Limmer is accused of working with overseas collaborators to smuggle approximately 1,000 insects, including some of the rarest and most endangered moths and butterflies in the world. To conceal his illegal activities, Limmer instructed his co-conspirators to label the shipments as “decorative wall coverings,” “origami paper craft,” and “wall decorations.”
The indictment against Limmer also revealed his contempt for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), referring to them as “a gang of Orangutans.” Federal law strictly prohibits the commercial export or import of wildlife without permission from the USFWS. Endangered species require additional authorization as part of an international effort to combat wildlife trafficking.
Limmer had been using online platforms such as eBay and Etsy to sell the smuggled butterflies. An eBay page under the username “limmerleps” showed over 4,600 sales, with recent transactions involving moths and butterflies. On Etsy, a page connected to a seller named “Limmer” featured several birdwing specimens for sale.
The indictment seeks to force Limmer to surrender his collection of over 1,000 illegally trafficked butterflies, moths, and other insects. If convicted of smuggling, Limmer could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife trafficking and the need for stricter regulations to protect endangered species. The trafficking of protected butterflies not only threatens their existence but also disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems. Authorities are working diligently to crack down on such illegal activities and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. For more breaking news, follow Sarah Rumpf-Whitten on Twitter at @s_rumpfwhitten. Stay updated with the latest stories by subscribing to our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every morning.
