OzAnimals.com
Australian Wildlife

  Lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella)





Lesser wax moth | Achroia grisella photo
Lesser Wax Moth

Image by Sarefo - Some rights reserved.    (view image details)







LESSER WAX MOTH FACTS

Identification
The Lesser wax moth is a pest species of moth that is established in Australia. It is a dull brown moth with slight copper tinge on the wings. They originated in Europe and are now found all over the world except in coldest climates. It is believe that they spread with honeybees from Europe. The larvae are destructive in bee hives and are a pest in the beekeeping industry.

Size
wing span 10mm - 15mm

Food
The larvae feed on honey, beeswax, stored pollen, bee shell casings



Classification
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Pyralidae
Genus:Achroia
Species:grisella
Common Name:Lesser wax moth