Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) explained. As of late, we’ve been seeing some positive news when it comes to the rehabilitation of the monarch butterfly population. We’re absolutely thrilled to know that changes are happening and that these wonderful creatures will continue to fly high through our skies.
We’ve talked at length about how to build butterfly habitats, how to pair milkweed with additional nectar sources, and so much more. But there’s still more we need to talk about when it comes to the monarch butterfly. For instance, what happens when they aren’t healthy?
Ophryocystis elektroscirrha
One devastating health problem that is seen in monarch populations all over the world is ophryocystis elektroscirrha (herein referred to as OE). OE is a parasite that is thought to have evolved with the monarch butterfly since it’s the primary host of the parasite. The parasite can cause fatal problems for our butterfly friends and there’s little we can do to help.
How it works
OE is a single-celled organism that must live within a host to grow and multiply. Outside of the host, OE doesn’t disappear, it just lays dormant until it is again ingested. Mild cases of OE, ones that are not fatal to the butterfly, are responsible for the parasite’s ability to continue harming the butterfly population.
A female monarch who carries the dormant spores of OE will spread the parasite to its offspring when laying eggs by inadvertently scattering the spores onto the eggs and surrounding milkweed plant. Upon hatching, the caterpillar will eat the eggshell and milkweed which unfortunately means it also ingests the OE spores.
As stated above, OE are only actively growing and multiplying when inside a host. As the caterpillar attempts to digest its milkweed meal, the spores will release the parasite where it begins to do its damage immediately. As the number of parasites increases, so does the damage. The caterpillar will enter its chrysalis stage where the most significant damage will occur.
It is also during the chrysalis stage that spores begin to form where the parasite will be able to live dormant outside of the body thus continuing the cycle.
What it looks like
There are a few ways in which to tell if a butterfly or population has become infected with OE:
- Asymmetric color changes/dark spots on the pupa – the pupa should change color symmetrically so any abnormality in color could be a sign of OE.
- Small size/low endurance – butterflies that do survive may be smaller in size or have lower endurance levels than their healthy counterparts.
- Disfigured wings – the most visible and most well-known symptom of OE is wings that almost look crumpled. Wings may never be able to form properly in the chrysalis and may be fatal.
How to help
Unfortunately, there’s not much that can be done about Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE). The best way is to be sure to cut back your milkweed twice a year. The only known way in which to prevent the spread of OE is by using a gentle bleach solution on the monarch eggs and surrounding milkweed to wash away and kill any spores left behind by an infected adult.
Let’s focus on increasing the population of healthy monarchs! We encourage you to become part of Wings of Change where we work with organizations big and small to improve landscapes to promote butterfly and pollinator conservation. You can stay up to date with more butterfly facts, gardening tips, and event invites by becoming a Butterfly of the Month Club Member. Any donations are greatly appreciated.