The lesser wax moth is a smaller relative of the greater wax moth with similar habits. It is generally the less damaging of the two.

Differences

• Size: Both adult and larva are markedly smaller
• Colour: The adult is silvery grey with a yellowish head; the greater wax moth is darker and more mottled
• Damage: The tunnels are finer and the webbing less dense
• Preference: It is more inclined to weak colonies and to debris on the hive floor

What it does

Like the greater wax moth, the larva tunnels through comb and feeds on the cocoons and residues in it. It also feeds on debris on the floor and in cracks in the hive.

Because it is smaller, its tunnels are finer. In stored comb, however, a heavy infestation causes similar loss.

Bald brood

One sign is more often associated with the lesser wax moth. A larva tunnelling just beneath the cappings of sealed brood causes the bees to remove the cappings along its path.

The result is a line of uncapped pupae across the comb, in a distinctive straight track. It looks alarming but the damage is limited; the pupae usually emerge normally.

It is worth recognising, because it is easily mistaken for a brood disease.

Where it becomes a problem

• Stored comb — as with the greater wax moth
• Weak colonies
• Debris on the hive floor
• Warm conditions

What to do

• Keep colonies strong. A strong colony removes the larvae itself
• Clean the floor. Debris is where this species starts
• Store comb cold, or spaced apart in a light, airy place
• Take dark comb out of circulation
• Seal cracks in the hive

Practical position

The lesser wax moth rarely requires separate action. The measures taken for the greater wax moth cover it, and its presence is generally an indicator of colony weakness rather than a problem in itself.