dark spot at top of chrysalis

[dje158]

I noticed today that one of my chrysalis (pupated 7/28) has turned a dark brown/black at the top (from the gold line to the top). I know that this is not "normal" & fear the worst. Should I let it continue to see what happens or dispose of it now? I have heard about struggling to eclose, etc & we have been very lucky thus far. I don't know if I could take that!!

On a positive note, we have released 74 so far. About 40 more to go with this batch & more coming up with small cats & tons more eggs. Wow - what a busy year for us (last time was 24!!).

Once again, thank you for your insight & help,
Deb

[Mona Miller]

Is it possible to post a picture here or send me a picture.

runmede |at| gmail |dot| com

[dje158]

I email you the pictures as I could not get them to post here.

Thank you!

Debbie

[Mona Miller]

The picture looked more like Nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV):
http://www.evansonart.com/monarchdisease.html
"Nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV): caterpillars and chrysalises are affected. According to Monarch Watch, this is the pathogen that affects monarchs the most. Signs: larva may hang limply by prolegs and
die, larva grows restless and is prone to climbing high before death, larva becomes brown (photo C9) before death, and chrysalis fills with brown fluid or has brown spots (C4-5) and will shrivel."

I would go ahead and freeze this in a doubled baggie and then toss it out after 24 hours. The butterfly may still be alive. I hate to throw them away in the trash when there still could be life. This is probably not OE.