parasitic protozoan Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (O.e.)spores
appear as small amber colored "footballs" on and near scales
taken from underneath rear part of abdomen by gently touching
with clear plastic tape and making a slide by then sticking to a microscope slide ... plus bubbles or pockets of air.
top two photos (400X) are from Queen butterflies
(Danaus gilippus)
bottom three photos (400X) are from Monarch butterflies
(Danaus plexippus)
Photos and website by Harlen E. and Altus Aschen
Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, Texas July 14, 2000
Copyright (c) 2000
digital camera was hand held against eyepiece of microscope.
Next page has three consecutive photos positioned vertically
at 40X, 100X, and 400X from two different monarch butterflies.
