A man who was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport with more than 1,000 dried insects in his luggage — including 150 endangered butterflies — was expected to plead not guilty Monday to federal charges.
Alexander Bic, 25, is charged with violating the U.S. Endangered Species Act in connection with the alleged attempt to import Ornithoptera — or birdwing — butterflies into the United States.
The charge carries a possible federal prison sentence of up to 20 years upon conviction, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana M. Kwok.
The vividly colored specimens were found by customs officers on April 7 as LAX, as Bic and his wife were returning from a trip to Japan, according to documents filed in Los Angeles federal court. Bic’s wife was not charged.
The dried and folded 5-inch butterflies from New Guinea were allegedly found among eight boxes of dead bugs discovered in Bic’s carry-on and checked baggage, the document states.
Kwok said Bic operates an Internet mail-order business in which he sells pinned and framed insect specimens to customers throughout the world.
The endangered birdwing species sells for upwards of $100, the prosecutor said.
“There are certainly enough collectors (of dried insects) to support an eBay business,” Kwok said.
