Date: 10/05/2008

Number: 1

My kids and I have collected Northern Illinois Monarch eggs and larvae and raised them to adulthood for release for several years now. This year we witnessed a much greater than usual death rate. Several of the chrysalis' blackened and failed to emerge. Of those that emerged, about 50% did not develop properly; it appeared that the wings failed to inflate resulting in deformities that caused death or inability to fly. No parasitism was apparent. We also saw many fewer Monarchs flying this summer.
I wondered if this is a phenomenon that has been more widely witnessed. Is there some disease, stress, genetic disorder or environmental disturbance that could be causing this? I'd be interested to hear your opinion. Thanks, Louise

Ashton, IL

Latitude: 41.9 Longitude: -89.2

Observed by:
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.