Galleria mellonella

Galleria mellonella

''Galleria mellonella'', the greater wax moth or honeycomb moth, is a moth of the family Pyralidae. ''G. mellonella'' is found throughout the world. It is one of two species of wax moths, with the other being the lesser wax moth. ''G. mellonella'' eggs are laid in the spring, and they have four life stages. Males are able to generate ultrasonic sound pulses, which, along with pheromones, are used in mating. The larvae of ''G. mellonella'' are also often used as a model organism in research.

The greater wax moth is well known for its parasitization of honeybees and their hives. Because of the economic loss caused by this species, several control methods including heat treatment and chemical fumigants such as carbon dioxide have been used.

The caterpillar of ''G. mellonella'' has attracted interest for its ability to degrade polyethylene plastic.
Honeycomb Moth - Galleria mellonella TL: ~12 mm. Hosts: Beeswax, fruit, pollen, dead insects.

Habitat: Attracted to a 395 nm LED light in a semi-rural area Galleria mellonella,Geotagged,Summer,United States,moth,moth week 2019

Habitat

''G. mellonella'' can be found where honeybees are cultivated.
Greater wax  Moth  Galleria,Galleria mellonella,Geotagged,Greater Wax Moth,Lepidoptera,Pyralidae,Summer,United States

Reproduction

''G. mellonella'' larvae parasitize the honeybee. Eggs are laid in the cracks and crevices inside the hive, which minimizes egg detection. Once eggs hatch, they feed on the midrib of the wax comb, the cast skins of bee larvae, pollen, and small quantities of propolis and honey. Live larvae are never eaten.''G. mellonella'' larvae parasitize the honeybee. Eggs are laid in the cracks and crevices inside the hive, which minimizes egg detection. Once eggs hatch, they feed on the midrib of the wax comb, the cast skins of bee larvae, pollen, and small quantities of propolis and honey. Live larvae are never eaten.

Food

Wax moth larvae are commonly raised and sold as food for captive reptiles and arthropods.

Evolution

The life cycle of ''G. mellonella'' proceeds through four stages: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Generally, eggs are laid in the early spring and the moth undergoes four to six generations annually. By December, the eggs, larvae, and pupae enter diapause in wait for warmer weather.

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderLepidoptera
FamilyPyralidae
GenusGalleria
SpeciesG. mellonella