Apiculture
Guides
Achroia
Achroia is a genus of small moths in the snout moth family Pyralidae, belonging to the tribe Galleriini within subfamily Galleriinae. The genus contains one unequivocally recognized species, Achroia grisella (lesser wax moth), with several other named species considered of doubtful validity. These moths are primarily known as pests of honey bee colonies, where larvae consume wax, pollen, and honey. The genus is closely related to Galleria, which contains the greater wax moth.
Aethina tumida
Small Hive Beetle, SHB
Aethina tumida is an invasive pest beetle native to sub-Saharan Africa that has spread globally, causing significant damage to European honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Adults are small, reddish-brown to dark brown beetles with clubbed antennae. Females can lay up to 2,000 eggs, and larvae feed on bee brood, honey, and pollen, producing frass that promotes fungal fermentation and creates a slimy, unusable mess in hives. The species has demonstrated potential for beneficial use in circular economy applications, converting excess bee pollen into animal feed and biomanure.
Galleria
greater wax moth, honeycomb moth
Galleria is a monotypic genus of snout moths (Pyralidae) containing only Galleria mellonella, commonly known as the greater wax moth or honeycomb moth. The species is globally distributed and notorious as a pest of honey bee colonies, where larvae tunnel through combs consuming wax, pollen, and honey. Adults are nocturnal; females enter hives after dark to lay eggs in cracks and crevices. The larvae have gained scientific prominence as an alternative model organism for studying host-pathogen interactions, immunology, and antimicrobial therapies, and have shown remarkable ability to degrade polyethylene and polystyrene plastics.
Varroa
Varroa Mites
Varroa is a genus of parasitic mesostigmatan mites that are obligate ectoparasites of honey bees (Apis spp.). The genus contains four species, with Varroa destructor being the most significant pest of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) worldwide. Originally parasites of Asian honey bees (Apis cerana) in mainland Asia, these mites have spread globally through beekeeping activities. V. destructor is recognized as the most devastating pest of managed honey bees, causing colony losses through direct parasitism and by vectoring viruses such as deformed wing virus. The genus was named for Marcus Terentius Varro, a Roman scholar and beekeeper.
Vitula serratilineella
Beehive Honey Moth, driedfruit moth, bumble bee wax moth
Vitula serratilineella, commonly known as the beehive honey moth or driedfruit moth, is a wax moth species native to western North America. It is a significant pest of beekeeping operations, infesting honey bee products and wax. The species was described by Ragonot in 1887 and has been the subject of pheromone-based monitoring research. Females produce a specific three-component pheromone blend that has been successfully used in field trapping programs.