NEW YORK (AP) — Birdwing butterflies are among the rarest and largest to grace the planet, their 10-inch wingspans flapping through the rainforests of Southeast Asia and Australia. Additional authorization would need to be secured for endangered species, as part of an international partnership to protect wildlife from trafficking. Since then, the indictment alleges, Limmer illegally imported and exported more than $200,000 worth of shipments. There were two birdwing specimens currently on sale and two were sold over the past year, according to the website. The indictment also seeks to force Limmer to give up his collection of some 1,000 butterflies, moths and other insects prosecutors say he illegally procured from overseas.

---

Persons: Charles Limmer, Limmer, “ limmerleps, Limmer ” Organizations: Attorney's, U.S . Fish, Wildlife Service, eBay Locations: Southeast Asia, Australia, Brooklyn, New York, U.S