Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: van from Arkansas on March 26, 2019, 05:49:37 PM

Title: Pic: wax moth or SHB larva?
Post by: van from Arkansas on March 26, 2019, 05:49:37 PM
The larva pictured is wax moth larva: has 3 distinct front legs, 3 back lessor legs and no spines on the back.  Pic taken with my iPhone so I included details for identifying.

Small Hive Beetle have tiny spines on the back with 3 distinct front legs and zero back legs.

Found on the bottom tray of my screened bottom board this day.  The moth probably slipped in during cold weather while the bees were clustered.  Today 55F so bees active and apparently doing Spring cleaning and discovered the larva.  To cool for a hive inspection, but soon.

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Title: Re: Pic: wax moth or SHB larva?
Post by: BeeMaster2 on March 27, 2019, 07:43:08 AM
Van,
Thanks for posting. 
There is nothing to reference size. Is it a greater wax moth or a lesser wax moth?
My guess is that it is a greater wax moth due to diameter but I?m no expert.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Pic: wax moth or SHB larva?
Post by: Michael Bush on March 27, 2019, 08:06:04 AM
Greater wax moth.
Title: Re: Pic: wax moth or SHB larva?
Post by: Acebird on March 27, 2019, 08:21:43 AM
Didn't know there was a greater and lesser.
Title: Re: Pic: wax moth or SHB larva?
Post by: Michael Bush on March 27, 2019, 08:49:56 AM
http://bushfarms.com/beespests.htm#waxmoths

Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth)
Achroia grisella (lesser wax moths)