OE? NPV? ya-got-me?

[4estry]

I have lost four monarchs (three in the pre-pupal "J" and one just into the chrysalis stage) this year. This is twice the number in all the many years I have been raising these amazing critters. The three in "J' formation have released a clear to green-ish fluid and do not go into the chrysalis. I have not waited long enough to determine if it dies...

I also have another two chrysalis' that have oozed a drop or two of a clear green-ish liquid within hours of them going into the chrysalis. The seem fine otherwise.

I have quarantined the growth chamber....only one caterpillar eating left but several chrysalis' remain.

I have researched several web-sites and OE seems to become apparent after the Monarch is in the chrysalis and later in this life stage. My nasty bug (pathogen) appears during the metamorphosis or immediately after.

What could I be dealing with? What should I do--> destroy the 15-20 Monarchs remaining in the cage? Let them go through with their life cycle? Release any adults that successfully emerge? Not having experienced this before I am at a loss...almost feel like I am losing something close. aagh!

Tim...
You may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?

[Mona Miller]

I would let them emerge and then test each one for OE spores.

http://www.monarchparasites.org/
Click on Testing Monarchs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZjhVOcX5SI
This is a good video on the testing.

http://www.amazon.com/Carson-MM-200-Mic ... 500&sr=8-1
This microscope that is 60X-100X should work.

If you use the Monarch Watch portal for Amazon, Monarch Watch will get a rebate.
http://monarchwatch.org/amazon/
Portal for Amazon for Monarch Watch

I have had caterpillar leaking green fluid and dying. Not many. I lost about 3. And, then 2 pupae turned dark and did not open. I have tested some of the adults and they do not have OE. I'm thinking bacteria for the pupae. For the caterpillars, I am thinking the heat has played a part--I think the heat is stressing the milkweed and causing it to be more toxic.