LOS ANGELES  Unlike many of the thousands of people who smuggle wildlife into Los Angeles every year, the authorities say, Sven Koppler chose not to conceal his exotic tarantulas under his clothing. They say he bundled them in multicolored straws or plastic containers and sent them in boxes through the United States Postal Service.

Mr. Koppler, 37, arrived in Los Angeles from his native Germany on Wednesday intending to meet an associate in the tarantula trade, said Mark Williams, an assistant United States attorney here with the environmental crimes section. Agents from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service took him into custody as he left the airport. “This will definitely have a significant impact on the tarantula trade, given the volume of tarantulas this guy was selling,” Mr. Williams said.

Tarantulas can fetch up to $1,000 each for females of breeding age.

Mr. Koppler was charged Thursday morning with one count of illegally importing wildlife into the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Mr. Koppler remained in federal custody, and a public defender was assigned to him.

The tarantulas that were confiscated  more than 1,000 of them  remained in federal custody as well, designated as evidence for the remainder of the investigation, said Mr. Williams. Their next stop will be local zoos.