Deteriorated Adult Performance and Reproduction of the Greater Wax Moth, (Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) by the Honey Bee Apitoxin

Abstract

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella is an important pest of wax combs of the honey bee in the world. The current investigation aimed to assess the effects of Apitoxin on the most important adult life parameters and reproduction of this pest. The freshly ecdysed 3 rd instar larvae were treated with a series of Apitoxin concentrations (4000, 2000, 1000, 500, 250, 125 ppm) via the artificial diet. The present results can be summarized as follows. The adult emergence was slightly blocked only at the higher three concentration levels. Apitoxin failed to affect both adult survival and morphogenesis. The total longevity was significantly shortened, in a dosedependent course. The ovarian maturation (pre-oviposition) period was prolonged, except the highest one at which this period was slightly shortened, as an odd datum. The reproductive lifetime (oviposition period) was remarkably shortened, in no certain trend. Also, the post-oviposition period was considerably shortened. Apitoxin exerted a diverse action on the reproductive efficiency of adult females since the oviposition rate was enhanced or inhibited, depending on the concentration, but in no certain trend. Both fecundity and fertility had been significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent course. The incubation period was considerably prolonged in a dose-dependent manner.

Quantitative and Qualitative Impacts of Selected Arthropod Venoms on the Larval Haemogram of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

“…Recently, Ghoneim et al [57] recorded a dose-dependent toxicity of Apitoxin on larvae and pupae of G. mellonella, as well as the reduction of larval weight gain and growth rate. In another recent study, Apitoxin blocked the adult emergence, prohibited the fecundity and fertility of G. mellonella [58].…”