The Moth

Wax Moth

Key Features

A fully matured adult moth is around 14-16mm in length. The wingspan of the wax moth is approximately 25mm. The wings are light brown with feint markings. When the larvae emerges they grow between 18-20mm.

Biology

After mating the females deposit their eggs within the nests of bee's and wasps and in certain circumstances may also inhabit these nests. When larvas emerge the only food they have is the organic matter that lies within the nest. This can include nectar, pollen and even the larva of the bee's and wasps. When the larva leaves the nest a communal cocoon is produced. Within this cocoon, pupation takes place. In just one of these cocoons there may be hundreds of pupa present. The larvas frequently damage the area in preparation to build the cocoon.

Adults mate soon after leaving the nest, creating the next generation.

Significance

These moths are totally dependent on the presence of a nest. They do not cause any damage to property, cloths or soft furnishings. The nest has a significant role because it upholds a community in which the moths can complete their life cycles.

The larva can cause small amounts of damage by gnawing into timbers when preparing to build their communal cocoon.

Control

These moths rarely constitute control. However, if action is to be taken a residual synthetic pyrethroid will kill both larva and adult moths.

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