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Re: Forwarded mail...

The ants and earwigs in the sick rattlesnake master are just 
incidental visitors to the damage already done by other organisms. 
There are no books on diseases of prairie plants -- indeed the basic 
natural history of most species is only poorly known. 

Possibilities are a fungal infection or some sort of (root-)boring 
larva or a combination. There is in fact a moth (Papaipema eryngii, I 
think) whose larva is specifically a borer in the roots of this 
plant, but it is known only from unplowed prairie remnants, not 
plantings such as yours. It would probably be best to dig up and 
destroy or carefully dispose of the diseased plant so whatever it is 
doesn't spread to the other. 

This points out why there is so much concern about the 
diminishing populations of rare plants. Each individual lost from a 
small population brings the whole species closer to extinction. Two 
individuals does not a viable population make. Take home message:
for a healthier population, plant a bunch more of those rattlesnake 
masters (and expect some degree of mortality).

Good luck


James C. Trager
Shaw Arboretum
P.O. Box 38
Gray Summit MO 63039
PH# 314-451-3512
FAX 314-451-5583
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