I had one cat who pupated and when he did these black spots were on the chrysalis. They were there immediately and are still there. I had him isolated because I suspected something anyway.
This is my first year doing this and I wonder if anyone can tell me if this is the dreaded black death? Sorry about bad quality of the pics.
Maureen
One more pic:
Unfortunately, I think so. That's what has happened to ones I've had that died. (not the weird batch this year tho)
Guess I'll see what happens when or if it opens. The cat looked fine up until he pupated.
Thanks Konkrete,
Maureen
Well, I went to check my Chrysalides this morning and low and behold, this one had enclosed and there was a monarch with its wings almost totally unfurled! I was really surprised, I thought this one was a goner.
I'll guess I'll watch and see if it looks ok later. I wish I had a microscope to check for OE, I'll have to make sure I get one for next year.
FYI,
Maureen
Yay! I'm glad it was ok. I personally am not going to get that involved with whether or not they have any types of disease. I think that my raising them in a cage is helping more of them make it to the butterfly stage, and that's all I can do. Nature just has to take it's course otherwise. I think it's asking too much of us as gardeners to go to all that trouble. But if you ever do go that far, please share what you learn with us!
