Darn! Major OE Infected Adult

[ilsa]

I have over 200 chrysalides in Gaithersburg, MD. The eggs were laid 16-18 Aug and they have been eclosing since Thursday, 10 Sep. I had an eclose today that was clearly EO-infected. Its wings were crumpled and it had trouble extracting its abdomen from the chrysalis. I separated it immediately and after it pumped up its wings, I took a specimen from its abdomen and looked at it under my scope. Major, major OE infection. I'm sad to say that this will be my first euthanasia.

Ilsa

[Paul Cherubini]

Great photo! I'd love it if you could explain or post a picture of the equipment you have that enables you to take a photo through a microscope. Thanks.

[ilsa]

Alright, Paul. I'll collect a photo of my setup (minus the camera, of course, but I can point to where it goes) and other info as I can.

Ilsa

[texas butterfly]

I'd be interested to know what scope also.

Great picture.

[Mona Miller]

The good news is that even if you have an infected adult the other pupae may not have a problem. Keep a close eye on them. You did the right thing separating the infected one from the others.

[ilsa]

The good news is that even if you have an infected adult the other pupae may not have a problem. Keep a close eye on them. You did the right thing separating the infected one from the others.

Yes, I'm thinking this might have been one of the cats who came home on a native milkweed cutting. There were several.

I haven't done the dirty deed yet. He actually looks fine now. I'll put him in the fridge in the morning, then move him to the freezer. This is really tough. First time for me.

[Mona Miller]

Yes, it is really tough. Releasing very sick butterflies makes other butterflies sick.

[ilsa]

I know. It's the right thing to do to euthanize him, for the sake of the whole species.

[Wyvern]

digital / video cameras for microscopes are pretty common now a days....and some can be had for pretty cheap. you hook it up to your computer and take pics that way. carolina biological supply has a selection you can see for reference, then do searches for the same models on amazon for a better price.

[Monarch MaMa]

Ilsa - very impressive!
Thanks for the good look - this is important to teach the new monarch parents what to look for.

[ilsa]

Isn't it interesting how the O.E. spores resemble milkweed seeds?