Date: 09/12/2002

Number: 1

I have collected 12 monarch caterpillars since we first sighted monarchs-about 5 days ago. For the past 5 years I have collected the caterpillars, kept them in critter keepers with plenty of butterfly weed until they form their chrysalis' and then we set them free. I teach with them and educate many youg students on the meaning of respect for life. I was disraught this past spring when I did not see one monarch, nor was I able to collect any caterpillars. This fall is proving to be almost as peculiar, as 6 of our caterpillars have mysteriously died. Usually we supplement their diet with milkweed, but it appears that the milkweed seems to be the culprit. Since I've removed the milkweed from their diet, they are staying alive.I do not use any insecticide, and this milkweed in the past has not killed any caterpillars. Is there a possible parasite lurking, undetected by our limited scientific experience? Any help would be appreciated. We have seen an average of 4-5 butterflies a da

Oak Ridge, TN

Latitude: 36 Longitude: -84.3

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