Do Wasps Kill Monarch Caterpillars?

Whether or not wasps kill monarch caterpillars is a debate among butterfly enthusiasts. It’s a controversial topic, and a lot of research is still being done on the subject. Fortunately, there are a few ways to stop wasps from preying on monarchs.

First, keep a close eye on the plant you’re trying to save. Many insects like spiders and lady beetles prey on monarchs and caterpillars. These predators can eat small monarch caterpillars at night, and the caterpillars can be hard to distinguish from the rest of the population.

Second, take the time to check out the chrysalis. A chrysalis is the home of hundreds of tiny wasps, and many of them are parasites. They are able to invade the pupa casing and then parasitize the pupae.

Finally, there’s the OE. This is a protozoan parasite, which is often fatal to monarchs. It can cause disfigurement, weakness, and untimely death. It infects the hypodermal tissue of the larvae as they eat spores. It then survives as a spore and transfers to the surface of the egg.

Luckily, most insects aren’t able to consume this parasite. However, you can freeze the infected insect. You can also try using baking soda to disrupt the insect’s digestive track.

A lot of researchers are looking at how parasitoids and infectious diseases may play a role in regulating the insect population. If you’re a citizen scientist, you can also help out by participating in programs such as the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project.

Continue reading:

How Do Wasps Destroy Bee Hives? How Do Wasps Protect Bees? How Do Wasps Die After They Lose Their Stinger? How Can Wasps Hold Their Breath Underwater? How Long Does It Take Wasps to Die After Treatment? How Do Wasps Come Out of the Ground? Why Do Wasps Give Off Pheromones? How Can You Get Baby Wasps?