Pollinator-threat
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Aphomia sociella
Bee Moth, Bumble Bee Wax Moth
Aphomia sociella, commonly known as the bee moth or bumble bee wax moth, is a small pyralid moth native to Europe that has become an economically significant pest of bee colonies. The species is notable for its unique dual-modal mating system combining sex pheromones and ultrasonic courtship songs produced by males using specialized tegular tymbals. Females lay eggs in nests of bumblebees, wasps, and occasionally weakened honeybee hives, where larvae feed on nest materials, pollen, honey, and host brood. Infestation levels increase with proximity to commercial apiaries, causing reduced host reproductive output and weakened immune responses in bumblebees.