Living Materials

Key Links Browse our Living Specimens selection Benefits of WARD'S Live Materials - Seven reasons why you should choose WARD'S for live materials. Ordering Basics - The basics of ordering and shipping specimens USDA Permits - Permits are required to purchase some organisms FAQ's - Frequently asked question about living materials. Care and Handling - Download PDF care guides and specific information for your living materials.

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Ordering Basics

How do I order Living Materials?

• Living materials can be easily identified by the small plant icon next to the item number.
• You can place your order weeks or even months in advance; we'll ship on any business day you require.
• Requesting shipment on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday ensures that your living materials don't spend a weekend in a shipping company's warehouse.
• Be sure to plan ahead when ordering your specimens that are available seasonally.

How are Living Materials shipped?

• Our technicians take special care to pack all live materials for safe delivery to you.
• We look at weather conditions across the country and world and plan accordingly.
• Most shipments are sent Second Day Air with a national carrier. Overnight shipping is also available.

USDA Permit
We have recently been informed by the United States Department of Agriculture that permits are now required for the following organisms:

• Apple Snails (Pomacea bridgesii, Family Ampullariidae)
• Land Snails (Helix aspersa, Order Pulmonata)
• Ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus, Order Hymenoptera)
• Butterflies and Moths
• Milkweed Bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus, Order Hemiptera)
• * Giant Tropical Millipedes (Lophostreptus rutilans, Order Juliformia)
• * Giant Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa, Order Orthoptera)
• * Termites

* Some states may require USDA permits for these organisms. Contact WARD'S to determine if you must file a permit for the organisms.

Unfortunately, it may take several weeks for the USDA to process the permits. Until then we will be unable to complete your order.

Below is a downloadable application for the PPQ 526 and instructions to fill it out. When you complete the application, fax it to the USDA at (301) 734-8700. Please let us know if you have any questions. You can also visit the USDA Website for more information.

We are very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause.

Downloads:

• PPQ 526 Form  ..................... (13 kb)