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UKWax moth
/wˈaks mˈɒθ/
/wˈæks mˈɑːθ/Wax moth
[NOUN]1
a small moth that infests beehives, with its larvae consuming beeswax and posing a threat to the structural integrity and health of the colony
What is a "wax moth"?
A wax moth, belonging to the family Pyralidae, is a small moth known for its affinity for beeswax and its role as a pest in beehives. The adult wax moth has a wingspan of about 2 centimeters and is typically gray or brown in color. While the adult moths themselves do not cause significant damage, it is the larvae that pose a threat. Wax moth larvae infest beehives, consuming beeswax, pollen, and even bee larvae. They create silk webbing and tunnels within the hive, compromising its structural integrity and potentially leading to the decline of the bee colony.