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So there is someone that is running a shady operation selling ants?

> They started a web store not longer afterwards.

At this point I'm not sure if it's a store online or one that sells spider-related stuff.

The shadiness largely comes from the fact that transporting insects can be a risk to the environment. Permits to ship live ant queens are not hard to obtain, but there are laws that prohibit certain species from being shipped to certain areas.

The permit also covers obligations for the recipient, such as ensuring that no pathogens are left on the packing materials and that you dispose of the insects properly, if necessary.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-III/...

I’m guessing it started as a hobby for this guy then became a shady business when he realized there are a bunch of easy marks out there in an underserved market.

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