Customs and Border Protection announced that they had intercepted several live Japanese Rhinoceros Beetles at LAX. These were disguised as packages of Japanese snacks, potato chips, and chocolate.
The beetles were valued at around $1480 and are highly sought after by international collectors.
'They may look harmless, but in reality, smuggled beetles pose a significant threat to our vital agricultural resources,' said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. 'Beetles can become a serious pest by eating plants, leaves, and roots and by laying eggs on tree bark, which damages our forests.'
The beetles were turned over to the USDA to determine their next destination: probably a zoo that has the proper permits and resources to care for beetles like these.
And that's all great, but I can't help but wonder if the snacks were really a disguise or if it was just a cultural difference in what we consider snacks.
I mean they do sell Rhinoceros beetles in Japanese vending machines as snacks.
And, judging by this guy's reaction after eating one, they taste pretty much the way you'd imagine:
So, Japanese visitors, maybe next time you shouldn't bring your snacks over while they're still alive and kicking?
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