Female - Photo ©2025–
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Male - Photo ©2006 Olei
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Female - Photo ©2006 Soebe
Female - Photo ©2025–
Click for a larger image
Male - Photo ©2006 Olei
Click either image for a larger photo
Female - Photo ©2006 Soebe
Bee Moth - Aphomia sociella
Family - Pyralidae (Snout moths)
Also known as - Bumble Bee Wax Moth
The Bee moth is a small species with a wingspan between 18-44mm (0.7-1.8in). They are a strongly sexually dimorphic species where the males ♂ are brighter and more patterned, featuring a creamy-white head, thorax and forewings to a mid-line, alongside contrasting brown/whitish markings and a zigzag line. The females ♀ are larger at about 33mm (1.3in) and can be variable in colour with olive-grey, reddish-brown, tan, or dark green in colour, typically marked with two prominent black or dark discal spots in the center of each forewing.
Usually seen from June through August, the species is native to Europe and is common and widespread across Britain, Ireland, and continental Europe. Named "bee moths" because they seek outand predate larvae in the nests of bees and wasps on which to lay their eggs, they will be found near exposed Bumblebee, hornet and wasp nests, in sheds, bird boxes, and apiaries. Bee moth larvae will also feed on pollen, honey, and any waste that they find in the nest. Bee moths are considered a pest because the bee moth larvae damage commercial bee hives.
Females lay up to 100 eggs which develop into typically a yellow larvae which are upto 20mm (0.8in) in length, featuring dark spiracles along their sides, three pairs of true legs at the front, and prolegs. They overwinter as larvae inside tough, communal silk cocoons.
Agassiz #62.001, Bradley & Fletcher #1428
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