Aaron,
Having shipped many inverts over the years I would think that maybe you
could put them in paper bags. One to a bag and then staple or paper clip
them shut. You might consider putting pin holes in the bags for air flow. I
would go to your local fish or herp pet store and see about getting a styro
fish box with a cardboard outer. I would either poke a lot of holes in the
box/styro and/or maybe consider using a cold pack (in a zip lock) taped to
the lid. You could stack the paper bags on top of each other as the bags
probably won't collapse or do a layer and then rig up a cardboard dividing
shelf. You could use toothpicks, paper clips and maybe even chop sticks to
support the shelf. Or nails pushed through the styro might work to hold up
the shelf. Make sure you mark the outside of the box well with "this side
up" and "fragile." Hopefully that will cut down on it being thrown around. I
would ship them Fed Ex First Overnight or maybe even Delta Air Cargo. Delta
will probably be cheaper then Fed Ex but not sure where they are going
either. You have to think about temps which is why I would go overnight. I
would avoid using the USPS as they can delay Express Mail packages by
several days because of it being live animals. Apparently some carriers
won't take live animals and the post office uses them on occasion. I am also
not sure if Fed Ex or Delta will take them if you are not an approved
shipper. I am also not sure if the dragonflies need moisture. Wet sphagnum
moss or water gels may help if needed. The sphagnum might could go in the
bags (well wrung, loose pieces) but the gels, of course, will not work in
the bags. You could secure to the styro a deli cup (with lots of holes) or a
stocking (panty hose) for sphagnum to add some humidity. You might could
also use deli cups themselves to put the dragon flies in but I don't know
what size they are. I hope this was helpful.
You don't need permits to ship live inverts in the US but states have
varying laws concerning importing certain inverts.
Mike Welker
Ocotillo Herpetofauna & Invertebrates
El Paso, TX
-----Original Message-----
From: Aaron T. Dossey
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2012 6:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Shipping live dragonfly adults?
Hello,
Anyone know how to properly package and ship live adult dragonflies?
Recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
(yes, the person requesting them does have a permit)
Thanks!
--
Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Founder/Owner: All Things Bugs
Capitalizing on Low-Crawling Fruit from Insect-Based Innovation
http://www.allthingsbugs.com
https://www.facebook.com/Allthingsbugs
1-352-281-3643
