Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) is a parasite that infects monarch, queen, and lesser wanderer butterflies. OE is not an animal or plant, but a single-celled organism known as a protozoan, a living thing that has many of the same characteristics as animals.

Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (sometimes abbreviated OE or O.e. [2]) is an obligate, neogregarine protozoan parasite that infects monarch (Danaus plexippus) and queen (Danaus gilippus) butterflies. There are no other known hosts. The species was first discovered in Florida, around the late 1960s. [1]

OE is a common and debilitating parasite of monarchs that can cause deformity and even death. Heavily infected monarchs with clearly visible signs of OE infection (e.g., deformity) should be euthanized by freezing.

Dec 23, 2024 · What Are OE Parasites? Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) is a protozoan parasite that affects monarch and queen butterflies. OE protozoan is a single-celled animal that can wreak havoc on butterfly populations.

Mar 9, 2022 · Monarch butterfly conservationists and breeders might be familiar with the OE parasite, which could be killing millions of the insects during their North America migration.

Apr 10, 2022 · Those same monarchs you released could be infected with OE (since many infections are asymptomatic), and now, you've just released a bunch of infected monarchs into your garden, and then, the subsequent larvae from your milkweeds will also be infected.

Mar 12, 2025 · Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) is a protozoan parasite primarily affecting monarch and queen butterflies. Infection starts when larvae ingest spores on contaminated milkweed, leading to internal proliferation during metamorphosis.

The best-studied disease of Monarchs is the parasitic protozoan Ophryocystis elektroscirrha. The parasite develops inside the Monarch larva and pupa, and is transmitted from generation to generation by spores, which are shed from the scales of the adult female onto her eggs and the surface of milkweed plants as she lays eggs.

Sep 11, 2018 · It has also led to increased infection with a protozoan parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, that shortens the butterflies’ lifespan and makes it difficult to fly. When native...

Jan 20, 2023 · OE is the abbreviation for Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (pronounced O-free-us-sis-tus electra-sceer-rah). It is a protozoan parasite that infects Monarchs (Danaus plexippus), Queens (Danaus gilippus), and Soldiers (Danaus eresimus).