Butterfly releases, the practice of releasing commercially bred（繁育） butterflies for weddings, school events and other special occasions, has been increasing in popularity of late.

    Butterflies have a dual（双重的） identity. They are known for their beauty and, as any backyard gardener knows, they are also known as agricultural pests. Because of the potential to wreck havoc （破坏）on agricultural products, commercial butterfly breeding for release is regulated by both state and federal agencies.

    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the interstate（州际的） transfer of live butterflies. Currently they provide permits for the transportation and release of eight species. These are the showy species, just the types that people like to see. They are comparatively large butterflies with bright colors.

    Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus) - Monarchs（君主） are the only species that cannot be shipped across the continental divide.

    The Zebra Longwing Butterfly (Heliconius charitonius)

    The Giant Swallowtail (Heraclides cresphontes)

    Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)

    The Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

    Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

    Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

    American Painted Lady (Vanessa virgiensis)