Beware! There is a natural tide in the life cycle of Wax Moths

摘要

In tropical and subtropical zones wax moths can survive successive breeding cycles without interruption, but in temperate regions low temperatures alter their biology. The so-called 'global warming' is changing the rules and beekeepers may unwittingly, be encouraging an increase in the UK wax moth population! Last season's chrysalis' were able to hibernate in areas close to the brood nest, subject to not being exposed to the housekeeping attentions of the bees. When temperatures rise to become more favourable for breeding purposes, the cycle is initiated by the first female leaving the cocoon in which she has over-wintered in her final metamorphic stage. Once sufficiently mature she will leave the hive to seek a male for mating purposes and then attempt to re-enter a hive in order to complete her destiny by laying eggs to start a new generation of her species.