The prevalence of Galleria mellonella and Achoria grisella in Apis mellifera Colonies in the Ludhiana District

Abstract

Wax moths are a worldwide pest of honeybee colonies. They belong to the Galleriinae subfamily of the Pyralidae family in the order Lepidoptera. The Greater wax moth (Achroia grisella) and the Lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) are the two species of wax moths (Galleria mellonella). The Greater Wax Moth is the most disastrous in apiaries causing annual financial losses. Furthermore, larval feeding deteriorates wax combs and destroys hive frames and wooden elements. Wax moths feed on hive products such as wax, cast-off honey bee pupal skin, larval bee remnants, pollen, encapsulated honey bee excrement found on brood cell walls, honey bee cocoon silk and honey bee cocoon silk. They produce massive amounts of the web by entering the comb's midrib. Almost all Asian honeybee, hives are infested with wax moths. In 2021-22, GWM and LWM activities were carried out in storage at Big Bee Farm, Atwal Bee Farm and Tiwana Bee Farm. Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella seasonally began in March, peaked in July and August and then began to decline. The highest G. mellonella and A. grisella population densities were seen during the months with mean temperatures of 32–34 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 70–80% (50–55 RH per cent). During the winter, the study found the fewest wax moth larvae, pupae and adults in all bee storage farms.