The biology and control of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella

Abstract

Damage by larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) (previously viewed as a nuisance), is now severe in tropical and subtropical regions, and the pest is believed to be one of the contributing factors to the decline in both undomesticated and domesticated honey bee populations: Greater wax moth larvae burrow into unsealed cells with pollen, bee brood and honey, and feed all the way to the base of the honeycomb, leaving behind silk webs that entangle and cause the emerging bees to die of starvation. This condition is known as galleriasis. Later, the surviving bees abscond from the colonies. Information on the greater wax moth’s ability to transmit honey bee viruses is limited. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the biology, distribution, economic damage, and management of the greater wax moth. The study also provides information that will help researchers to better understand and manage the pest. This study is important due to the renewed interest in honey bee health and the need to ensure the continuation of pollination services by bees. This is an output of the ‘African Reference Laboratory (with Satellite Stations) for the Management of Pollinator Bee Diseases and Pests for Food Security’ project. It is partly funded by the UK Department for International Development, a core donor of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology