Lesser Wax Moth
Common NameLesser Wax Moth
Scientific NameAchroia grisella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyGalleriinae
Wingspan (mm)16
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, pale yellow
HabitatBeehives, apiaries, stored bee products, human dwellings, warehouses
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (worldwide)
Host Plantsbeeswax, pollen, honey, bee brood, stored bee products
Flight PeriodYear-round (indoors/warm climates), otherwise spring to autumn
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are pests of beehives, feeding on wax, pollen, and honey; they pupate in silken cocoons, and adults are relatively short-lived, primarily focused on reproduction.
Identification TipsDistinguishable by its small size, uniform grey-brown forewings, pale yellow head, and its association with beehives or stored bee products. It often rests with its wings flattened against its body.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled greyish-brown forewings, a pale yellow head, and a distinctive flattened appearance when at rest.
