Monarch Butterfly with an Ophryocystis elektroscirrha Infection - Danaus plexippus

I was lucky to have an opportunity to help out in a monarch butterfly rearing enclosure this morning. this poor girl emerged with an Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) infection and will have to be euthanized. Releasing an infected monarch will hurt the already struggling monarch population.

OE is a protozoan parasite that is spread from spores. The spores are packed between scales on an infected Monarch's body and when it lays eggs, the OE often attaches to the egg shell. OE causes weakness, disfigurement, and lethargy. These deformed butterflies don't live long and cannot be saved.

OE infection in an adult can be confirmed by pressing a piece of clear tape on the butterfly's abdomen to pick up the spores. OE spores are visible under a microscope, and they look like tiny footballs.