Lesser wax moth

Lesser wax moth
Adult specimen
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pyralidae
Genus: Achroia
Species:
A. grisella
Binomial name
Achroia grisella
(Fabricius, 1794)
Synonyms[1]
  • Achroia alvearia (lapsus)
  • Achroia major (Dufrane, 1930)
  • Achroia obscurevittella Ragonot, 1901
  • Acroia major (lapsus)
  • Bombyx cinereola Hübner, 1802
  • Galleria aluearia Fabricius, 1798
  • Galleria alvea Haworth, 1811 (unjustified emendation)
  • Galleria alvearia (lapsus)
  • Meliphora alveariella Guenée, 1845 (unjustified emendation)
  • Tinea anticella Walker, 1863
  • Tinea grisella Fabricius, 1794

The lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) is a small moth of the snout moth family (Pyralidae) that belongs to the subfamily Galleriinae. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. Adults are about 0.5 inches (13 mm) in length and have a distinct yellow head with a silver-grey or beige body.[2] Lesser wax moths are common in most parts of the world, except in areas with cold climates. Their geographic spread was aided by humans who inadvertently introduced them to many regions worldwide.[1][3][4]

The mating systems of the lesser wax moth are well researched because they involve sound production. Lesser wax males produce ultrasonic pulses in order to attract females.[5] Females seek the most attractive males and base their decisions on characteristics of the male sound.[6] While sex pheromones are also emitted by the males, male calling is more effective in attracting mates.[7]

Because lesser wax moths eat unoccupied honey bee combs, they are considered pests to bees and beekeepers. However, unoccupied combs can harbor harmful pathogens that inflict damage to neighboring insects. By eating the combs, the moths can reduce the harm to insects of that region and provide a clean space for other organisms to inhabit.[8]

  1. ^ a b Savela, Markku. "Achroia grisella (Fabricius, 1794)". Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  2. ^ "Lesser Wax Moth". University of Florida.
  3. ^ Clarke, John Frederick Gates (1986). "Pyralidae and Microlepidoptera of the Marquesas Archipelago". Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology. 416 (416): 1–485. doi:10.5479/si.00810282.416.
  4. ^ "Fauna Europaea".
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Spangler1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Cordes was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Jang8 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference Florida was invoked but never defined (see the help page).