Do I need to worry about this one?

[Mom2RJA]

These black spots appeared a day or two after it pupated, after I moved the chrysalis. I moved this one before I learned the water trick for loosening them, and it pulled off of its silk. I had to use a dot of glue on the cremaster to keep the thread on. I have done this before with no trouble. The chrysalis appears to have developed normally and it looks like the butterfly will emerge tomorrow. Should I be concerned? It looks like I'll have three butterflies tomorrow, and the chrysalises are all hanging on the same rack.

[Mona Miller]

It could be OE. The top of the chrysalis is the abdomen and that is where many of the OE spores are located. You'd have to test the adult to be sure. They can survive to adulthood with the disease, but they will pass it on. They are carriers, just like people who have AIDS.

http://www.monarchlab.org/lab/research/ ... fault.aspx
Please look at the info and pictures on the website that I am posting.

[Mom2RJA]

I separated this chrysalis from the others this morning. It eclosed and appears to be perfectly healthy. The black spots are still visible on the remains of the chrysalis.

Mona, you mentioned testing for OE. I just read about how to do that, but it involves ordering a test kit and sending samples to a lab. I don't see how that could work, since I always release my butterflies the day or day after they eclose. Is there a way to test them and get results right away?

[Mona Miller]

You can test them yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZjhVOcX5SI
Live Monarch Foundation - OE identification and Microscope

[Mom2RJA]

Unfortunately I don't own a microscope. I don't think I can get ahold of one before I need to release these butterflies.

[Mona Miller]

Radio Shack sells them, very cheap.

[Mom2RJA]

Thanks. I'll see if I can get there tomorrow.

Do you test all your butterflies? I have always been so careful not to touch the wings. The idea of holding them by the wings and putting tape on their abdomens scares me. I'm also kind of scared of what I might find...

[Mona Miller]

You have to make sure that the wings are thoroughly dry. Last year, I participated in the OE study done by Project Monarch Health.

Have you tried tagging them?

[Mom2RJA]

No, I haven't tried tagging them. I wanted to last year, but Monarch Watch ran out of tags so I couldn't get any. I was sad about it, because I had quite a few late summer butterflies, and my son's class also raised and released about 10 of them. I can't tag now though, right? They don't sell the tags until August.

[Mona Miller]

But, you can order the tags early. They will send them when it is time to tag in your area. Don't wait until August to order tags.