Wax-moth
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.
Achroia grisella
Lesser Wax Moth
Achroia grisella, the lesser wax moth, is a pyralid moth and pest of honey bee colonies worldwide. It is smaller and less destructive than the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), primarily infesting weak or abandoned honey bee colonies where larvae feed on beeswax, pollen, honey, and brood cappings. The species has a worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical regions where honey bees are kept, and its spread has been facilitated by human-mediated transport of beekeeping equipment. Adults are small grayish moths with distinctive yellow heads. The species is notable for its unusually simple directional ear, which enables acoustic localization for both predator avoidance and mate finding.
Aphomia
bee moth
Aphomia is a genus of small moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Galleriinae. Some species are nest parasites of bees and bumblebees (Anthophila), with larvae feeding on wax, honey, and pollen. Other species, such as A. gularis, are significant pests of stored agricultural products including nuts, dried fruit, and cereals. The genus exhibits diverse ecological strategies spanning parasitism of social insect nests and exploitation of stored food products.
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.
Galleriini
Galleriini is a tribe of snout moths within the subfamily Galleriinae of the family Pyralidae. The tribe contains approximately eight recognized genera, including the economically significant genus Galleria, whose larvae are known as waxworms. Members of this tribe are primarily associated with stored products, honeycombs, and detritus-based habitats.
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.