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"Black Death"
The "Black Death" is an umbrella term for different bacterial infections and pesticides that end up killing the caterpillar and turning their body into a pitch-black color. It is different to NPV, since infected caterpillars do not liquify.
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Some diseases that fall under the umbrella term of "Black Death" are Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), and
Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE - present in Monarchs and Queens).
"BT" - What is it?
BT is a pesticide that is made for pest control, which includes caterpillars. It is sprayed on the plant, but does not sink into the rooting of the plant, meaning it stays on the leaf and can be fully washed off after around 5-6 weeks.
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