Waxworms are the larval stage of certain moth species, primarily the Greater Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella) and the Lesser Wax Moth (Achroia grisella). These organisms are creamy white, soft-bodied, and caterpillar-like, typically reaching about 0.75 to 1 inch (2 cm) in length when fully grown. They possess small, black or brown heads and subtle ridges along their segmented bodies. The name “waxworm” originates from their natural environment within beehives, where they consume beeswax, pollen, and other hive impurities. Many people encounter waxworms as fishing bait, often referred to as “waxies,” or as a high-fat food source for pet reptiles and other insectivorous animals.
The Metamorphosis: From Larva to Pupa
The waxworm undergoes a complete metamorphosis, a biological process involving four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. After the larval stage, it enters the pupal stage. Before pupating, the mature larva constructs a protective silk cocoon, often chewing cavities into wood within beehives to secure it. This silken casing creates a stable microenvironment, shielding the pupa from external threats.
Inside this cocoon, the larva reorganizes its body into the pupa. The pupa of the greater wax moth typically measures between 12 and 20 millimeters in length and 5 to 7 millimeters in diameter. Its coloration shifts from an initial white or yellow to a darker brown as it matures. During pupation, the larval tissues undergo extensive internal changes, transforming into the adult structures, including wings, legs, and antennae. The duration of this pupal stage varies significantly with environmental temperature, ranging from as few as 3 to 8 days in warm conditions to up to two months in cooler climates.
The Adult Wax Moth
The culmination of the waxworm’s metamorphosis is the emergence of the adult wax moth. The Greater Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella) is typically 12 to 20 millimeters long with a wingspan that can reach up to 40 millimeters. These moths are slender and generally pale brown to gray, often displaying reddish-brown mottling along the forewings, which are held in a roof-like position over their bodies. The Lesser Wax Moth (Achroia grisella) is similar but smaller and paler in appearance.
Adult wax moths have reduced mouthparts, meaning they do not feed or consume water. Their existence is primarily dedicated to reproduction. Female moths can lay hundreds of eggs, typically ranging from 300 to 600, though some may lay up to 1,800. These eggs are deposited in crevices. The adult lifespan is relatively short, usually lasting from a few days to about 30 days, with temperature influencing its duration.