This is ILLEGAL - STOP doing it!.. brown boxing, importing spiders and more with Frank Somma

Today we have a quick update on how the Hyllus are progressing, how Hyllus come into the country and talk brown boxing / importing to the USA with Frank Somma
Contact for business inquires: [e-mail]
SOCIAL MEDIAS
Patreon: / tarantulakat
Instagram: / tarantula.kat
Twitch: / tarantulakat
TikTok: / tarantula.kat
Twitter: / tarantulakat
Facebook: / tarantulakat
Fourthwall: tarantulakat-s...
Spring: teespring.com/...
Wanna send me mail?
Tarantula Kat
PO Box 20214
Saint Louis, MO 63123-0214
TARANTULA CRIBS ENCLOSURES (affiliate link) - www.tarantulac...
Save 10% with affiliate code KAT10
Custom Reptile Habitats (affiliate link) - customreptileh...?sca_ref=2835429.wBveks0vcR
Zen Habitats (affiliate link) - www.zenhabitat...
Get a Cuddle Clone of your pet here! (affiliate link) - hubs.li/Q01s31QN0
Check out BOTH WORLD TARANTULAS PODCAST on Apple music or Spotify: tinyurl.com/pu...
Some recommended vendors:
Micro Wilderness: www.microwilde... (code KAT10 gets you 10% off)
Tom Patterson
Fanghub Tarantulas

[@Xiporah]

I'm happy you're pointing this out. I have a feeling most smaller hobbyists don't know what to look for. (I sure didn't.) And here you are, giving us the info from the legal importers. Thank you!

[@belladieci]

I randomly stumbled upon your channel a few months ago. I'm terrified of spiders but you have helped me so much. Thank you!

[@AylaGarton]

I'm glad you're working to get over your fear, and it may not mean much from a stranger but I'm proud of you.

[@turtlejeepjen314]

Exotics Lair is another really good channel for non-spider folks to get used to spiders.💚

[@cmsmith2077]

Same! I found her a couple yrs ago. I ❤ Kat! Absolutely adorable! I'm glad I saw this video, though, because I have been wanting a T. Seladonia for a while and had no idea about the illegal import stuff. I'm definitely going to pay attention to who I get from 😊

[@tarantulacollective]

Great video, Frank is awesome!

[@deckape714]

Good to hear you speak about this. Thanks T.Kat. Your friend from Seattle

[@tarantulakat]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@laurafranco7408]

Thank you for having Frank on! It’s good to know how the inner-workings of The Hobby are “suppose” to be conducted. I have obtained species from several Vendors and a couple seemed shady, shipping in unmarked boxes without live animal stickers or use of Fed-Ex expedited delivery to my Hub. Love these informational videos! 🙏🎉

[@nectarzetlian9251]

What about Tom Moran?

[@discospiders]

Brown boxing doesn’t mean it’s sent in a literal brown box, it means bringing them into the country without a permit.

[@imperialgirl4858]

This is a fantastic video. It goes to show how valuable those people focused on sustainable captive breeding programs are - not just to the hobby, but to species survival in the wild.

[@noodlesadele]

love these type of educational videos!! i had no idea of a lot of this. i knew brown boxing was illegal but i didnt know how much it was effecting those who actually do things correctly

[@tarantula_girl.]

Thank you for making this. I've been keeping for over 10 years and a couple of my OG queens who are still alive were definitely wild caught in S. America and it's possible they made their way into Canada illegally. They're living good lives in captivity now but it doesn't feel good wondering how they got here. Anyways I'm glad you're making people aware that this is still happening. It doesn't do anyone (including the spiders) any good to smuggle. It just makes things harder for the ones who want to do it legitimately. Thanks again. Happy keeping!

[@lindseymercuria3971]

I really love this video! I learned a lot, even googled Lacey Act so I can learn more about it. I know what it is, I just don't know details. I love learning new things so this is a welcome vid. Keep dropping this kind of content, we need education beyond the community.

[@tonydeluna8095]

I love the intros to your videos Tarantula Kat. Gets me excited to see what you’re next packages are and unboxing them

[@tarantulakat]

🙏

[@juanedenburg6766]

Kat you did something very important you call out something wrong in the hobby. This important to keep the hobby healthy and strong. Keep up the good work

[@dawnfunck8928]

Excellent interview! It's full of good information, and I learned a lot. Being an arachnaphobe, I have been seriously working on my fear. I watch your channel and have been interacting more with the spiders in my house and out in our woods. Eventually, I'd like to own a T Saledonia (but who doesn't, lol!) and I want to start off on the right foot when it comes time to buy. I'll definitely be on the watch to weed out the smuggling aspect of my transaction. I'd never heard of brown boxing, so I feel that I'll be starting off on the right foot! Please do more of these interviews. Even established owners should be involved in this conversation! Many thanks...

[@tarantulakat]

Thank you for listening honestly

[@spookysweetspoods1]

This is such great information!! Thank you having Frank on and helping educate us fairly new in the industry ❤❤

[@kristinmontague9084]

I don't think I moved a muscle, besides skipping the adds....this was actually a VERY good video. THANK U FOR SHARING THIS. Being New in this Hobby myself, this video was great. Appreciate ya.

[@TerranovasTarantulas]

Love loved the episode! Frank is a bad a$$. He brought in so many species I own!

[@dennisgeorg6761]

In the back of my mind, I knew it was possible that people would import incorrectly, but I was not aware of the name "brown boxing." I learned a lot from the video and will be more aware in the future. Thank you for another great video!

[@angelameyer8555]

Thank you for bringing this to everyone’s attention. ❤

[@susanmartin3762]

🤣😂😅 I just LOVED the way you said, "Gramma 👵Stole the Porkrind" or was it, "Gramma Loves to Polka"? Either or.. it's fun to say!

[@adrsosas204]

Thank you so much this is so important and interesting! I'm from Mexico i love your videos i practice english and thanks to you i got my first scorpion, now i own 7 as well as 3 tarantulas and blue beetles. Love your content and i think you have a beautiful skull shape xD 😂

[@angeladerby2513]

Thank you for sharing this information...I knew that it could be illegal in some cases, but I have learned a Lot from the both of you here. I will also share your video as well. I hope this will help raise awareness of this situation, "Brown Boxing." Thanks to the both of you and I hope that Y'all have a Wonderful Sunday....😊

[@tarantulakat]

Thanks a lot for watching 😊

[@angeladerby2513]

@tarantulakat You are So welcome. I Thank you for sharing so much information. Most don't do that. It is important, even if I'm not purchasing. We have to take care of the ones who doing this legally, and report the ones we see that are not. So Thank you for all you do for the species. It is well appreciated....Hope you have a Wonderful day 😊

[@karenlee3198]

Love that you are using your platform to speak out for the hobby. I'm not from the US but I'm sure that breaches in the trade where illegal imports are concerned gives the whole hobby across the world a poor reputation so thank you for encouraging people to do what's right.

[@celestel3759]

I love that you’re getting this information out there to people who might otherwise never encounter it! Especially with such an authority on the topic as Frank Somma 😊 Great video!

[@katiecrull77]

This is very informative and eye opening!!! Thank you guys!

[@amyasawesomeasalways]

Great video Kat❤😊Really appreciate you bringing this to light, there are a lot of illegal imports here in South Africa aswell unfortunately.

[@JacksWorldofWildlife]

Some great stuff! Thanks for sharing all this important info!

[@Paladorys]

This is great info. I'd love to hear more from him!

[@rottenapple9855]

Frank is one of the most important people for our hobby. As far as brownboxers and scammers go; Pierre Sibblies and Liz Torres are at the top. Seeing him cry and whine after getting booted from the Hamburg expo was the highlight of the year.

[@jeanpierresibblies8056]

Lets talk about Micro wilderness getting arrested in Germany or all the proof thats available

[@rottenapple9855]

@@jeanpierresibblies8056 Someone mentions day, you talk about night. Deflection is apparently much more obvious in 3rd person lmao

[@rottenapple9855]

@@jeanpierresibblies8056 Dude… you slapped your woman around? Im about to upload the livestream we all saved too

[@stayswampy]

I really liked this educational video. It really opens eyes and gets people aware and I know I didn't even know what brown boxing was and it's amazing to have you as a good educational creator. ❤

[@appleperez6025]

Great video!!! Thanks for the info Kat 🖤🖤

[@haxan6663]

I started keeping spiders in the mid 80s in the UK, when most of the specimens were wild caught sub-adults and adults and were generally cheap. As new species came into the hobby, keepers started to captive breed and we became more aware of the environmental concerns. One dodgy importer of reptiles and spiders was advised by a friend of mine that his imports from SE Asia was likely to result in a 75% loss rate. His response was that he would make a profit on the 25% that survived. Shortly afterwards he stated that he was going to be collecting in Colombia. This was about 1990 and he was told that searching Colombian forest areas for spiders was not going to end well. We didn't see him again.

[@wraith1320]

I can’t believe someone would ship a live animal in an unmarked box! 😢 Horrible. Underhanded sellers only bring more negative attention and scrutiny down on the industry. There are already too many stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding the keeping of exotic animals, and people trying to save money by cutting legal corners just make it worse. 😡 So frustrating! Thank you for making this video and bringing attention to the issue!

[@pennyrockysmomma4445]

This was a great video, Kat. It is something that needs to be shared. I’m 65 years old and new to this wonderful hobby, and I would never buy a spider from just anyone. I watch your videos, Richards, and Tom Morandi, and when I’m ready for my second T, it will be from one of the breeders you all use.

[@jb222111]

Very, very interesting! Would love to see him on your channel again! Thanks!

[@Lilgreenpeople444]

That is so fascinating! It was cool to learn more about importing❤

[@kevinpoe8137]

I think the first time I heard about brown boxing was from a nat geo wild show (with that particular episode being centered around the smuggling of rare butterfly specimens) about smuggling animals, I forget the name of the show it’s been several years since I’ve seen it

[@Dustblye]

Thank you for telling me about that. I had no idea, but now I am informed. Thank you so much, Kat and Frank Somma!!!!

[@LittleZelda]

Wow, ive watched tarantula videos for the last few years and never knew how intense the process of getting them could be.

[@randiholbrook5849]

Question: Do you have any praying mantid Kat? I am getting two in the next few days, and would LOVE to see unboxing and/or rehousing vids on mantises! I figured its about time you discovered what great pets I hear they are! Please consider it!

[@wolfgirl7396]

I like having Frank and hope you do bring him on again!

[@jillosterhaus7308]

Great PSA!!! As someone newer to the hobby, I really appreciate these red flags!!

[@xginevra.]

Even though I won't have any tarantulas unfortunately, I'm really interested in the hobby and I love watching your videos. ❤

[@marenhudson2459]

This was such an interesting video!!!! 🖤

[@Kaiyo_no_Ookami]

I'm still pretty new here but I’d definitely love to hear from Frank again. Great video! I've known about this issue for years but have not really been clear on the details or how to spot the disreputable sellers. (Wasn't really relevant for me until recently; haven't had an exotic pet in years.) I’m new to keeping spiders and don't have any yet, so more info is always, always welcome. I’ve mostly been relying on people like you (well-known, big names within the hobby) to recommend reputable breeders for any spider I might buy in the near future. Absolutely appreciate this info! The last thing I want is to contribute to harming wild populations or the hobby, for that matter.

[@china_sickness7005]

A lot of what you talked about is a great reason to not jump straight onto a new species that has just entered the hobby. Remember the tarantula Taksinus bambus? It was discovered in 2022, and I saw a single sling for sale at an expo in October of 2023. Whether it was illegal or not to take those individuals, we as a community should not be so demanding for new things before proper investigation is made into the sustainability of the species in the wild. The supply will only strive to match the demand, so that’s why it’s important for the community to not jump onto the newest species all at once. That’s going to overload the legal importers, and give greater incentive for illegal importers to make a quick profit

[@discospiders]

And now bambus have been bred domestically to the point where they are affordable, and not hard to find. Also, it was not a new species discovered in 2022, it just previously went by a different name- Ornithoctoninae sp. Mae Hong Son.

[@rachelkunz611]

I absolutely love ur channel! Great information! Thank you!

[@susanmartin3762]

You are Effing brilliant! How do you keep up with all the Lil critters? How do you split them apart? I just love watching you. I don't have spiders but I love watching yours!❤

[@jesshonnell2276]

Thank you for making this video. I've only been a part of the spider community for a short time and I had no idea this was a thing. It's definitely going to be something I keep in mind going forward.

[@gangewifre]

I would love to hear Frank talk more about his history with importing and where he thinks things might be going!

[@jonathanreid3574]

Very interesting!!! I like the collars on your shirt thank you for the show

[@MilestoneMarcy]

Interesting interview, thanks for sharing!

[@memoriesofviolet]

Great video Kat! Very good info for all the new hobbyist.

[@051adam]

Really interesting episode! Thank you!!

[@Colorista_1]

Very cool video!!! I learned a bunch! More? Yes please!

[@ArachnifilesApp]

Intersting video! Great info for everyone. Beginner to advance!

[@sarahhastings1486]

I really enjoyed listening to this I learned a lot !

[@Aries.its.u]

Thank you for this! You should make more videos like this one 😃

[@joshuarosenblatt]

Frank nailed it. ‘They don’t realize . Or They don’t care’ Good video!

[@CrybabyTarantula]

Tarantula Kat!! I personally enjoyed this video, really awesome to hear from someone who gave life to this hobby! I learned something I didn't know. Would love to see more videos like this eventually:) also Tarantula Kat!!! You inspired me to get into the tarantula hobby, I have a small collection so far but more to come! I have bought all my spiderlings from Tom at Fangztv and I have had a 5 star experience buying from Tom, thank you for the referral! I love all your videos, I'm always learning something new even if I'm re-watching your videos. I have learned so much from you and The Tarantula Collective on how to care for all my new species and proper husbandry. Again, thank you Kat you are my inspiration and I look forward to watching your videos! Happy holidays:)

[@Melantha_Twinzzone]

Love a good informational video 🖤🩷🖤🩷

[@jeffmason6900]

Great episode. I had no idea about brown boxing, or how expensive importing can be. That definitely puts things into perspective!

[@Ace-ht4ox]

I really enjoy your more informative videos! But I enjoy all your videos in general

[@spiderenchantments]

Thank you for informing people about this! I've had to inform some people that buying out of country and bringing in without proper permits is illegal! This video will hopefully help!!

[@irene_in_progress]

I'm considering getting into the hobby so this is super helpful!

[@edgufler1122]

Thank you very much for the informative video Kat.

[@shaulm8763]

Great and informative video! Learned some new stuff from you today 😊

[@CatalinaGraham-v3i]

It would be really helpful if you made a list of websites you use to buy aracnids from so we have websites we know are safe

[@KURM-rs6mf]

I used to be so scared of spiders till I found your account. Now I have my first T 🖤🥹 def not scared anymore and I want to start a room one day LOL THEYRE SOOO CUTEEE. Thank you for being so informative and helpful Kat 🙏 you are absolutely my most favorite channel (,:

[@laurafox7862]

Thanks for this highly educational video. I had no idea how regulation is in the US. Also the prices of Ts in the US are insane compared to the EU. I have jumpeing spoods and some Ts - all from a fair and from breeders. The breeders all could be visited in person - they are so happy to show their breeders rooms, Ts, spoods, and are a great source of help. Very nice videos in general! Thanks so much, TarantulaKat!

[@IncySpider]

Great video! Really good information 👍

[@TreeHugginT]

My daughter just bought her first spider. Ty for sharing this!

[@gatherformagic]

I love your videos Kat you're such an inspiration 🥰

[@SkyeSpider]

I love that this topic is being covered. Also, Frank is the best 💜

[@wburke1759]

There is a third way some species have come into this country legally. Scientifically.. I was given a partial egg sac because the research facility that received the specimens couldn’t keep it. Grey area I’d call it.

[@gardenlifelove9815]

It is crazy that somebody would import anything that they don't first verify the source. I feel like that's important day one stuff and I love that you're pointing it out because alot of newbies and some veterans ignore it all

[@Escamas_e_penas]

As a Brazilian, it’s sad to hear that you are getting new species. Brazil is very specific about the breeding and keeping of spiders and reptiles and there isn’t a legal spider seller in the country. If you are getting them, they are from traffic.

[@discospiders]

Awesome video, love OG Frank! 🤘

[@EarthsGeomancer]

This was great! ❤❤❤❤

[@Chexmik]

I'm just now getting into invertibrates. Im starting with jumping spiders and I was feeling overwhelmed looking at all the options to even ship one within the US. Thankfully i have a friend who breeds them already so thats who im going with. The prices to get them into the country definitely sheds light on prices tho.

[@melanielangham7033]

Such cute little babes! I need more jumpers. Im gonna find some babies in the spring. It would be so cool if you and Emily(snake discovery) get together and do something fun

[@IrwinLorincz]

Are you adopting those hyllus out I can't find anyone

[@eekaspeeka5704]

Thank you for making me aware of this. I love animals and have been super excited to keep spiders!

[@Sidzee256]

I’m very new to the hobby and have a wild caught jumping spider. I plan on getting more since I’ve fallen inlove and really appreciate this video so I know more about where and how to get them legally. ❤

[@A1Arachnids]

Never heard of brown boxing but now a lot more people will be aware and will probably end up seeking out brown box sellers. Large quantities for a low price… humans are pretty opportunistic shoppers lol 😧

[@tarantulakat]

Maybe, but I think it’s something we should talk about (and call out) as a hobby more. Just because a few people might see it as an opportunity doesn’t mean we should ignore it and keep pretending it isn’t happening 🙁

[@A1Arachnids]

Valid points, I’m new to tarantula keeping! I wish I could have a lot of species but i understand gathering WC and making illegal transactions is a no-no. I appreciate all your content!

[@rottenapple9855]

Avoid Liz’s Tarantulas. They brownbox

[@Markadium_]

Fantastic insight with the interview. I did have one question that I didn’t hear covered. What is MrTarantulaKat playing there in the background tho?

[@tarantulakat]

Diablo or Battlefield 😂

[@SeverusSnape12345]

I'm happy you're pointing this out. Brownboxing also goes for shipping from the vendor to the purchasor too. Brownboxing is why I don't shop from Jaimie's Tarantulas. With them, if you don't select fedex for shipping, they'll brownbox the spiders/animals and ship it USPS. Hopefully they stopped doing it, but looking at their shipping info section of their website, it doesn't look like they have since they state that you still have to specify to them you want fedex in order for them to ship fedex.

[@an0ana]

Thank you for this video! Sadly, there are some greedy people out there that only see spiders as dollar signs.

[@kittymorris2989]

I never heard of brown boxing. It was very informative. It sounds kind of easy to get away with. For someone who has not had a tarantula for many years now,I think it would be very appreciated to use a common name as well as as the latin name. I saw a picture of a Brazilian jewel spider and thought wow that would be the coolest thing. When I looked it up it was illegal to own,however I only found out because the question of its legality was in another post. Had I gone to an expo and seen it that question would never have entered my mind. Other posts merely stated they were very expensive if you could find one. I would not recognize an illegal spider. For the first time last week I saw a tarantula with tiger stripes next to a mexican red knee at a popular pet store...the prices were marked as regular tarantulas and special tarantulas..and even the clerk did not know what that meant. They were beautiful and I would have liked one but I knew nothing about them and could not figure out what regular tarantula even meant.

[@graphite2786]

One of the things that concerns me are the Hyper Venomous Fans - people who keep, breed and import Extremely Dangerous species. I've seen some KZbinrs that have Sydney Funnelwebs, Brazilian wandering spiders , Latrodectus and are breeding them. I think this is highly problematic. The pet industry is responsible for many invasive species- think lionfish, Burmese pythons, tegu, snakehead fish etc. What would happen if some irresponsible persons had escapees of a deadly spider species? Unlike Tarantulas, which need certain conditions to survive, Funnelwebs and Latrodectus thrive in urban environments (ask any Australian) and have no known natural predators. And they are cryptic species that can breed up huge numbers without being detected. There are some invertebrate species that definitely need to be prohibited, for human safety and for potential invasiveness.

[@lindseybotelho]

Great video!

[@nottheoneforyou]

I know the video I left a comment on was removed and the uploaded later. So I hope you are having a good holiday season.

[@StephanieRenaeReptiles]

Love videos like this

[@pokerchannel6991]

this sounds good. I will look for one of these and try to buy one from them. Thanks for letting us know.

[@coffebread4040]

There are probably better things you can do out there, your just wasting your money, they are benefitting from doing something bad, but you’re not, unless your just commenting to get attention, which again, there are better things to do

[@MandaloretheUndying1418]

As someone who only studies spiders and not owning em as pets i had no idea that people smuggle spiders thank you for the knowledge

[@Emotionalsupportspiders]

What is the documentary? I’d love it give it a watch. Great video!

[@tarantulakat]

I think it’s called Bug Out

[@Emotionalsupportspiders]

@@tarantulakat thank you!!

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great video

[@clnfreakone8486]

I feel lucky that there are people like Tom at fangsTv and others that are at my local expo that is 18 mins away from my house

[@Heartshackles]

Had no idea about the term brown boxing, but I've come to care about even the origins of my rare plants, especially carnivorous plants that are being poached from the wild. Wouldn't cross my mind to buy from anyone besides a reputable seller, even if it may mean I can't get something right now or perhaps ever. At least now I know what people are talking about when they talk about brown boxing!

[@ewamisztal6741]

I propably wont be ever need that info and definetely not bored!!😉 PS Is there any chance that you'd have Pseudhapalopus sp columbia? I'm just getting one and I'd love to see a video about it!!😃 🍀 Greetings and best wishes from Poland 😉

[@kelseyb8426]

me, I'm just getting in the hobby so thankful for this video. Tho in general in all my pet (I also have a salt water tank) keeping I like to get captive bread because even if it is legal to take some species from the wild, ex the yellow tang, I think they are being over taken and all the yellow tangs I see for sale are very sickly looking and small. I would also really love to have a giant African snail but they are illegal here (I understand why) but makes me sad I really want one hahah

[@twistedtypos2029]

I got questions from customs about cactus seeds. I got a letter. Never got thecseeds.😅