Monarch Butterfly
SKU: 33815-10K
Monarch OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha) is a protozoan parasite that infects monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). It is transmitted mainly by spores shed by infected adult monarchs. The spores contaminate milkweed plants which monarch caterpillars consume & continue the cycle. Infected adult monarch butterflies have a reduced lifespan, deformed wings which impair flight and decreased reproductive success.
O.E. spores are typically found on the Monarch butterfly’s abdomen. They measure roughly 10µm & require a visual aid such as a microscope to be seen although a trained eye may be able to use a simple 15X pocket loupe. If more power is needed, a 10X hand lens together with a cell phone can act as a portable dissecting microscope with 50X or more.
Buy Indigo® brand 10,000 ppm sanitizer test strips to confirm the strength of diluted chlorine bleach used to disinfect monarch butterfly cages. See dilution & cleaning procedure below.
Full documentation including Certificate of Analysis, Stability & SDS are available below; Certificate of Conformance on request.
