Wax moth, Aphomia sociella in the spotlight!

These moth larvae live inside nests of bumblebees and Vespula wasps! They are actually known as inquilines, i.e. they are lodgers inside their hosts nest, feeding upon the nest contents, including wax, pollen, nectar, debris dead bumblebees and live larvae. Unusual in that moth larvae are normally vegetarian.

The moths are also known as bee moths to moth enthusiasts, or ‘mothers’ as I have heard them called! It looks like this moth has recently been introduced into the USA.

See more information about these dreadful lodgers that lead me to design my nest box!

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For more information about bumblebees go to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust

For more information about bees and wasps…Bees Wasps and Ants Recording Society  BWARS