Wildlife trafficking is affecting more than exotic animals – insects are victims too

What do recent ant‑smuggling cases reveal about the true scale of insect trafficking?

Recent ant‑trafficking cases highlight how little we truly know about the scale of insect trafficking. They reveal that individual incidents can involve large numbers of insects and point to overlooked wildlife markets driven partly by demand from the exotic pet trade. These seizures – whether involving ants, rhino beetles from Japan, praying mantis egg cases in the US, or bullet ants in Peru – offer only brief glimpses into a much larger, hidden trade.

A core challenge is that insect trafficking is highly concealed, making it difficult to estimate its real extent. Legal insect markets add another layer of complexity, as they can provide opportunities to launder protected species alongside legally traded ones. Together, these cases suggest that what we see in enforcement data represents only a fraction of the wider illicit market.

Why do you think insects are so often overlooked in conversations about wildlife trafficking?

In wildlife trafficking discussions, public attention tends to gravitate toward charismatic animals like rhinos, lions or whales. These species capture imagination, attract funding, and are widely viewed as deserving protection. In contrast, insects are frequently seen as pests rather than wildlife, which limits public engagement and sympathy.

This pattern isn’t unique to insects. Other species, such as sharks, have historically suffered from negative perceptions - illustrated by the well‑known “Jaws effect.” Media coverage also plays a role: insect trafficking has received far less attention, shaping public understanding and concern. As a result, insect trafficking attracts less public sympathy and recognition of being victims. In short it is simply easier for people to care about a rhino being poached than about the trafficking of a specific species of rhino beetle or ant.

How does the trafficking of insects compare with the illegal trade in more familiar species such as reptiles or birds?

The trafficking of insects shows striking similarities to the illegal trade in more familiar species like reptiles or birds. Recent cases indicate that demand is often driven by the exotic pet trade, a major driver across wildlife trafficking more broadly. The smuggling methods are also familiar: insects have been hidden in toy packaging, sweet wrappers or other everyday items – tactics long used to move reptiles, tortoises, parrots and other small species across borders.

A notable feature of insect trafficking is the volume involved. Offenders often transport large numbers at once, anticipating that some will die in transit but that enough will survive to remain profitable.

What makes regulating and enforcing laws around insect trafficking particularly difficult for authorities?

Regulating and enforcing laws around insect trafficking is challenging for many of the same reasons seen across wildlife crime. These offences are routinely deprioritised compared to other forms of crime and often carry weak penalties, making them low‑risk, high‑reward activities. As a result, enforcement officers typically receive limited training, which makes identifying and investigating insect‑related offences difficult. Even when cases are detected, links to organised crime, corruption, and lenient sentencing further undermine deterrence.

These issues are compounded by the lack of reliable data on both insect trafficking and wildlife crime more broadly. Without clear information on trends or offending patterns, it is difficult for authorities to allocate resources effectively. Additional barriers stem from limited research and legal protection for insects: only a small proportion of species have been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and most are not covered by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), leaving significant gaps in regulatory frameworks.

What needs to change – in policy, public awareness or enforcement – to better protect insects from illegal trade?

To better protect insects from illegal trade, we first need a stronger understanding of their role within wildlife trafficking. This means mapping harms, trends, scale and broader patterns. Without this evidence base, it is difficult to raise awareness, design effective policies or prioritise enforcement. Improved research and monitoring are therefore essential to ensure insects are fully integrated into wider illegal‑wildlife‑trade frameworks.

A second priority is greater recognition of insects within policy and international regulatory systems. Because of logistical, research, and enforcement challenges – as well as major gaps in conservation data – very few insect species are currently protected under agreements such as CITES. This lack of recognition reflects low public and political concern. By improving our understanding of insect trafficking, we can begin to shift narratives around insects, which in turn can support stronger regulation, more targeted enforcement, and greater public engagement.