First Report of Ophryocystis elektroscirrha Parasitizing Danaus gilippus1 in Central Mexico

Ophryocystis elektroscirrha McLaughlin & Myers is a specific parasite of butterflies of the genus Danaus. However, experimentally, it can complete its cycle in other butterflies. This study presents the first case of infection in the queen butterfly, Danaus gilippus (Cramer), in Central Mexico. Prevalence of the parasite in D. gilippus was 7%, in contrast in D. plexippus was almost 100%. Because of known negative effects on resident populations of monarch butterflies, it is important to monitor the prevalence of the parasite in queen butterflies and assess effects it might have on their fitness in the ecosystem.