page_title: Lesser wax moth
section_title: Interactions with humans
hierarchical_section_title: Lesser wax moth / Interactions with humans
caption_attribution_description: English: Work of the lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) Title: Bulletin Identifier: bulletin7475190711unit (find matches) Year: 1904 (1900s) Authors: United States. Bureau of Entomology Subjects: Insects; Insect pests; Entomology; Insects; Insect pests; Entomology Publisher: Washington&#160;: G. P. O. Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library View Book Page: Book Viewer About This Book: Catalog Entry View All Images: All Images From Book Click here to view book online to see this illustration in context in a browseable online version of this book. Text Appearing Before Image: Jul. 75, Pt. II, Bureau of Entomology. U. S. Dept of Agriculture. Plate III. Text Appearing After Image: ' Note About Images Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original work.
context_page_description: The lesser wax moth is a small moth of the snout moth family that belongs to the subfamily Galleriinae. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. Adults are about 0.5 inches in length and have a distinct yellow head with a silver-grey or beige body. 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 involuntarily introduced them to many countries.
  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. Females seek the most attractive males and base their decisions on characteristics of the male sound. While sex pheromones are also emitted by the males, male calling is more effective in attracting mates.
  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.
caption: Lesser wax moth infested honeycomb
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