V-Shape Abnormality on Cats

[Paula]

In 2003 & 2004, found Monarch cats with "V-Shape abnormality pattern of the cat's skin" --the V was shaped upside down with point to head, starting at neck & extending 1/2 length toward tail, i.e. head/neck < 1/2 length of cat body toward tail. The 2003 cat seemed to have difficulty shedding through all instars & also at J-form attempted to form Chrysallis, & could not shed skin at top & became entangled at top surface, & died. The 2004 cat had no obvious problems shedding & formed Chrysallis with no problems & became butterfly w/no obvious problems (to the eye's view). For the sake of all Monarch existence, I would not release this one into the world -- fear there was a problem w/disease or some genetic abnormality. Has anyone ever witnessed any cats' skin with this "V-Shaped" skin pattern/problem? Have Monarch researchers ever discovered this "V-Shaped of cat skin" (abnormality, pattern of the Monarch caterpillar skin) &/or know what possible disease or genetic abnormality occurs to this particular cat with "V-Shape of skin"???

[Jim]

Hmmm...I'm not sure I understand what you are describing. We have observed a number of different patterns on monarch caterpillars - oftentimes an "x" or some variation:



but I don't think this is what you are talking about. Have you taken any photos? If so, please feel free to send 'em our way and we'll give them a look.

[Megathymus ursus]

This does sound like some sort of genetic problem, but please don't take it to be a bigger deal than it's worth. This flaw is obviously already present in the greater monarch population--there is nothing that you can do to make it worse. Besides, if it is as lethal as you claim it to be, it will most likely weed itself out of the gene pool anyway.--Brian