Wax worms are the larvae of wax moths, primarily the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and the lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella). These soft-bodied, cream-colored caterpillars are known for their unique diet, which includes beeswax. While often considered pests in nature, wax worms are also used in various human-controlled settings.
Natural Habitats
Wax worms are most commonly found in honeybee hives, where they act as nest parasites. They thrive on the abundant resources, consuming beeswax, pollen, honey, and bee cocoons. This diet provides essential nutrients for their development.
Beehives offer a warm, dark, sheltered environment with low ventilation, aiding their rapid growth and reproduction. While they do not directly attack bees, their tunneling through honeycomb can destroy comb, contaminate honey, and potentially spread bee diseases. Beekeepers consider them significant pests due to the damage they inflict.
Life Stages and Location
Wax worms progress through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The larval stage, the “wax worm,” lives inside beehives. These larvae burrow through wax combs, creating silken tunnels as they feed on hive materials. They can reach up to 28 mm and cause visible damage within the hive.
Larvae then enter the pupal stage, spinning tough, silk cocoons in hive crevices, often attached to wooden frames or hive components. This pupation can involve chewing cavities into the wood, causing permanent damage. The pupal stage lasts from a few days in warm conditions to several months in cooler temperatures.
Adult wax moths emerge from cocoons. Unlike larvae, adult moths do not feed and typically live outside the beehive. Their main purpose is to mate, with females seeking new beehives to lay hundreds of tiny eggs in cracks and hidden spots, continuing the life cycle.
Cultivated Environments
Beyond their natural habitat, wax worms are cultivated for various purposes. They are widely available as fishing bait for species like crappie, panfish, perch, and trout. In these settings, wax worms are kept in containers with sawdust bedding and do not require feeding, living off fat reserves. For optimal shelf life, they are stored at cooler temperatures (50-65°F) to slow development.
Wax worms are also common feeder insects in the pet industry, serving as a high-fat treat for reptiles, amphibians, and some birds. Their soft bodies and high energy content make them appealing to many insectivorous pets. Pet owners often receive them in small plastic tubs and can store them in a refrigerator or cool basement to extend their larval stage.
Additionally, wax worms are utilized in scientific laboratories for research. Their ability to digest wax has led to studies on their potential for plastic degradation, particularly polyethylene. Researchers found enzymes in wax worm saliva can break down plastics, offering potential waste management solutions. In labs, they are raised on artificial diets like cereal grain, bran, honey, and glycerin, in controlled environments.