Date: 08/25/2019

Number: 3

One of three dead monarch larvae found on the outside of garage (near my pollinator garden); this one seems to have attempted to pupate, but failed. It also appears to be immature, possibly 4th instar, but definitely not 5th. I am reporting this because it is consistent with what I am experiencing with my captive-reared larvae. This has been a low-success year in that regard: about 50% success, which is NOT normally the case. I normally observe 80 - 90% success in captive larvae and eggs completing the life cycle to adult. The "diseased" larvae are usually a darker color; they attempt to pupate way too early (some even late 3rd instar); suspend in a "J"; some begin to get a "cap" of green chrysalis on their head, then die. I confirmed one tachinid fly as the cause of death by the telltale strings dropping from the monarch larva body, and the fly's pupa on the floor below. Spring/summer 2019 has seen unusually high-precipitation. I have also observed MANY more paper wasps, earwigs (on nearly every plant), spiders, and flies than ever before in this milkweed patch. Way Station 9418

Elizabeth, CO

Latitude: 39.3 Longitude: -104.6

Observed by: Pamela
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