greater wax moth
Quick Summary
The greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) is a lepidopterous insect whose larvae feed on the honeycomb wax of bees. While they do not attack adult bees, the larvae can destroy combs in weak colonies and also damage stored honeycombs. When ready to pupate, the larvae may chew into the wooden parts of a beehive, causing further damage. Control methods for this pest include maintaining strong bee colonies and treating stored combs with fumigation or cold storage. The lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) and the Mediterranean flour moth larva (Anagasta kuehniella) also damage stored combs and pollen, respectively, with similar control measures.12
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pyralid mothOther interesting pyralids include the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), also known as bee-moth, or honeycomb moth. The larvae usually live in beehives and feed on wax and young bees and fill the tunnels of the hive with silken threads. The larvae are particularly destructive to old or unguarded colonies…
Read MoreOther interesting pyralids include the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), also known as bee-moth, or honeycomb moth. The larvae usually live in beehives and feed on wax and young bees and fill the tunnels of the hive with silken threads. The larvae are particularly destructive to old or unguarded colonies…
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beekeepingPestsThe greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, is a lepidopterous insect that, in its larval stage, destroys combs. It does not attack adult bees but may begin destruction of combs of a weak colony long before the bees are gone. It can also destroy stored combs of honey. When the…
Read MoreThe greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, is a lepidopterous insect that, in its larval stage, destroys combs. It does not attack adult bees but may begin destruction of combs of a weak colony long before the bees are gone. It can also destroy stored combs of honey. When the…
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LepidopteraImportanceThe greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) causes considerable damage in beehives.
Read MoreThe greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) causes considerable damage in beehives.
Read More- LepidopteraProtection against danger
The greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) can hear ultrasonic frequencies close to 300,000 hertz, which is in excess of the highest echolocation frequency known to be used by bats (212,000 hertz).
Read MoreThe greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) can hear ultrasonic frequencies close to 300,000 hertz, which is in excess of the highest echolocation frequency known to be used by bats (212,000 hertz).
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