Greater wax moth

Photo by Pest and Diseases image library, Australia, Bugwood.org

Pests of weak and stressed colonies and combs in storage
Both moths are a similar grey colour and tend to coexist in the same location
Both species prefer brood combs and eat wax, pollen and remains of larval honey bees, leaving behind silk webbing and silk lined tunnels
Larvae spin white silk cocoons on frames and hive body parts which damages parts of the hive
Both species are present throughout Australia

Scientific name: Galleria mellonella
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Butterflies & moths (LEPIDOPTERA)