Just saw this on the bottom board for the first time - and as of yet, I have not had any wax moth in my hive... But I'm guessing that this is what it must be.
(http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm144/tjcurtin1/Feces3-28.jpg) (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/tjcurtin1/media/Feces3-28.jpg.html)
I could be wrong but, that looks like roach droppings to me. I've had WM and never remember seeing that.
Pick 3 little black dots up,maybe even 4 or 5, place them on the head of a straight pin. Then you will have an idea of the size of wax moth feces.
I went looking for pics of WM feces and saw something resembling these... Anyone else have any ideas what it is if not wax moth feces??
also note the white stringy stuff here and there (the crystals are dry sugar). There is newspaper under the sugar, but this doesn't look like shredded newspaper usually does - too white.
Does not look like wax moth droppings to me. Also I would think it is way too cold for them where you are. Looks like you have two different sources. The brown ones are segmented perpendicular to the length. The black one is segmented primarily parallel to its length.
Jim
Quote from: tjc1 on March 30, 2014, 12:37:22 AM
I went looking for pics of WM feces and saw something resembling these... Anyone else have any ideas what it is if not wax moth feces??
I do know in Northern Central Massachusetts (Worcester County) wax moth DO not show up until about the third week in June. And do not come a real big problem until about a third week in July.
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Quote from: sawdstmakr on March 30, 2014, 08:01:29 AM
Does not look like wax moth droppings to me. Also I would think it is way too cold for them where you are. Looks like you have two different sources. The brown ones are segmented perpendicular to the length. The black one is segmented primarily parallel to its length.
Jim
Good observation! The mystery deepens...
Quote from: tjc1 on March 30, 2014, 02:47:24 PM
Quote from: sawdstmakr on March 30, 2014, 08:01:29 AM
Does not look like wax moth droppings to me. Also I would think it is way too cold for them where you are. Looks like you have two different sources. The brown ones are segmented perpendicular to the length. The black one is segmented primarily parallel to its length.
Jim
Good observation! The mystery deepens...
TJ, What do you see crawling around in the hives? I see most critters that would leave poo in my colonies.
Long overdue cleansing walk? :-D
just kidding
Still no answer. Someone here should be able to identify them. Any entomologists?
If we do not get an answer I can send the picture to Dr. Jamie Ellis at University of Florida.
Jim
Haven't been inside to see anything, seeing as how I am in MA AND IT SNOWED AGAIN TODAY!!!!! :soapbox: If spring ever gets here I'll have a look-see...
Thanks, Jim for the offer to pass it on to the entomologist.
Quote from: GSF on March 31, 2014, 07:13:58 AM
Long overdue cleansing walk? :-D
just kidding
Pretty bound up! :-D
They kinda remind me of caterpillar poop.
I do know of one pest that does live in the winter in this part of New England SHB.
BEE HAPPY Jlm 134 :)
Hey, Jim - any luck with the entomologist? This stuff is still showing up on the bottom board, but no sign of any associated critters... Should be warm enough in a week or so to open up and have a look-see.
TJC1,
I just sent the picture to Jamie. I didn't realize you were previously taking me up on the offer. My bet is Jamie will know what it is just by looking at it.
Jim
Quote from: sawdstmakr on April 07, 2014, 12:44:29 PM
TJC1,
I just sent the picture to Jamie. I didn't realize you were previously taking me up on the offer. My bet Jamie is will know what it is just by looking at it.
Jim
Might take that bet.......... bet not........ kinda vague
Quote from: sc-bee on April 07, 2014, 12:59:30 PM
Quote from: sawdstmakr on April 07, 2014, 12:44:29 PM
TJC1,
I just sent the picture to Jamie. I didn't realize you were previously taking me up on the offer. My bet Jamie is will know what it is just by looking at it.
Jim
Might take that bet.......... bet not........ kinda vague
So what's the bet? :-D
Jim
Here is the answer:
Wax moths, both of them.
Jamie
Jamie Ellis, PhD
Quote from: sawdstmakr on April 07, 2014, 01:06:31 PM
Quote from: sc-bee on April 07, 2014, 12:59:30 PM
Quote from: sawdstmakr on April 07, 2014, 12:44:29 PM
TJC1,
I just sent the picture to Jamie. I didn't realize you were previously taking me up on the offer. My bet Jamie is will know what it is just by looking at it.
Jim
Might take that bet.......... bet not........ kinda vague
So what's the bet? :-D
Jim
Ooops I lost ...... I would have bet yes on this one in favor of jamie. I thought I was on the black hairy stuff post :oops:
Thanks, Jim - and Jamie! Though it's not great news... Should this photo and ID get posted somewhere on the site for future reference?
Quote from: tjc1 on April 07, 2014, 08:11:07 PM
Thanks, Jim - and Jamie! Though it's not great news... Should this photo and ID get posted somewhere on the site for future reference?
Tic
Not a big deal. Back in Langstroth's day, wax moths were like having mites, for some, today. They lost large numbers of hives until the bees were left to work out the right genetics to protect themselves from the moths. Now a days, as long as the hive is fairly strong, the bees clean out most of them. One or 2 will sneak by and live in the hive and go into the pupa stage. The biggest problem now is protecting empty supers.
Jim
Quote from: iddee on March 29, 2014, 11:04:47 PM
Pick 3 little black dots up,maybe even 4 or 5, place them on the head of a straight pin. Then you will have an idea of the size of wax moth feces.
OOOOOppppps glad he didn't bet tooooo ;)