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DSCN4803.JPG - waxmoth3
The lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella, Pyralidae), causing similar damage to the greater wax moth but is not as common in Michigan. Photo by Prof. M.V. Smith, University of Guelph. - waxmoth2
Just before the wax moth larvae spun their cocoons, they use the mandibles to chew an indentation on wood so that the cocoon would attach better. Notice the dead workers near the lower left of the photo. Workers often die inside cells because they cannot get out due to the silk left by small wax moth larvae when tunnelling beneath the workers. Photo by Prof. M.V. Smith, University of Guelph. - waxmoth1
A comb severely infected with the greater waxmoth. The while ones are the cocoons spun by mature larvae just before they pupate. Silk and frass are everywhere making this frame not usable for extraction of honey if this were a honey frame. Photo by Prof. M.V. Smith, University of Guelph. - P2080223
The greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) larvae, shown with various instars. Photo by former graduate student Anne Hanley. - chewup_waxcocoon
Closeup view of the emptied cocoons from where the adult moths have emerged. Photo by Prof. Zachary Huang, Michigan State University.