Monarch OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha) is a protozoan parasite that infects monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). It is transmitted mainly by spores shed by infected adult monarchs. The spores contaminate milkweed plants which monarch caterpillars consume & continue the cycle. Infected adult monarch butterflies have a reduced lifespan, deformed wings which impair flight and decreased reproductive success.
O.E. spores are typically found on the Monarch butterfly’s abdomen. They measure roughly 10µm & require a visual aid such as a microscope to be seen although a trained eye may be able to use a simple 15X pocket loupe. If more power is needed, a 10X hand lens together with a cell phone can act as a portable dissecting microscope with 50X or more.
All Indigo® chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) test strips have a 3 year minimum guaranteed shelf life & come with a Certificate of Analysis, Stability & SDS documents listed below; Certificate of Conformance on request. Be prepared for any health & safety audit or inspection.
NDAA Section 889 form available to Government Purchasers upon request.
Prepare a bleach disinfection solution by diluting 1 part of regular 5.25% household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) with 9 parts water. This will produce a 5250ppm concentration which is close enough to the 5000ppm color pad in the chart on the bottle. This is a necessary precaution since the concentration of bottled bleach deteriorates significantly after opening. You can use our on-line Dilution Calculator to prepare different quantities.
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