Standard methods for wax moth research

Abstract

SummaryGreater (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Galleria mellonella) and Lesser (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Achroia grisella) wax moths are ubiquitous pests of honey bee colonies globally. The economic importance of wax moths has led to a number of investigations on wax moth life history, biology, behaviour, ecology, molecular biology, physiology, and control. Despite the importance of wax moths to the apicultural industry, they are investigated considerably more as a model organism for studies in insect physiology, genomics, proteomics, etc. Those studying wax moths from an apicultural perspective typically use only a small number of the total available research methods outlined in the literature. Herein, we describe methods associated with wax moth research that we feel are important from an apicultural research perspective. Ultimately, we hope that this paper will revitalize research on wax moths, since they remain both an important honey bee colony pest and an interesting colony symbiont.Métodos estándar para la investigación de la polilla de la cera Resumen Las polillas de la cera grande (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Galleria mellonella) y pequeña (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Achroia grisella) son una plaga ubicua de las colonias de abejas al nivel mundial. La importancia económica de las polillas de la cera ha dado lugar a una serie de investigaciones sobre la historia de la vida de la polilla de la cera, la biología, el comportamiento, la ecología, la biología molecular, la fisiología y su control. A pesar de la importancia de la polilla de la cera en la industria apícola, se ha investigado mucho más como un organismo modelo para estudios de fisiología de insectos, genómica, proteómica, etc. Aquellos que estudian las polillas de la cera desde una perspectiva apícola suelen utilizar sólo un reducido número de métodos de investigación del total descrito en la literatura. En este documento, se describen los métodos asociados a la investigación de la polilla de la cera que creemos que son importantes desde una perspectiva de investigación apícola. En última instancia, esperamos que este documento revitalice la investigación sobre las polillas de la cera, ya que siguen siendo una plaga importante de las colonias de la abeja de la miel y un interesante simbionte de las colonias.

Honeybee health in Africa—a review

“…However, larvae can cause destruction when they tunnel through the brood and honey comb and wooden parts of the hive (Hepburn and Radloff 1998). In addition to the physical damage caused, larval tunnelling can result in galleriasis and bald brood (Ellis et al 2013). Wax moth damage is most pronounced in weak or stressed colonies, and therefore, good management practices are essential to minimise damage and colony losses (Swart et al 2001).…”

First Detection of Nosema Ceranae and Nosema Apis in Greater Wax Moth Galleria Mellonella

“…The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae) is an economic pest of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies and nowadays has spread almost all over the world, including Europe, Asia, North America and Australia (Ellis, Graham & Mortensen, 2013), especially spread to low altitude regions with a temperate climate (Akyol & Korkmaz, 2008). The waxworms of the greater wax moth have been shown to be an excellent model organism for in vivo toxicology and pathogenicity testing, replacing the use of small mammals (Hu & Webster, 2010;Coleman et al, 2011;Harding et al, 2013).…”

“…The waxworms of the greater wax moth have been shown to be an excellent model organism for in vivo toxicology and pathogenicity testing, replacing the use of small mammals (Hu & Webster, 2010;Coleman et al, 2011;Harding et al, 2013). In addition to the use of the wax moth as a model organism for research on insect physiology, genomics and proteomics, they have an important role in the apicultural industry (Ellis, Graham, & Mortensen, 2013). The larval phase but not the adult phase causes severe damage to the combs and leads to significant economic loss in the beekeeping sector.…”

“…Larvae emerge from the eggs within 5-8 days under normal conditions (24-26°C) which varies depending on the temperature. Following development, the larvae weave a cocoon, transform into adults and complete their life cycle (Spangler, 1985;Williams, 1997;Ellis, Graham & Mortensen, 2013. Besides their natural habitat, wax moths can be reared in laboratory conditions with the appropriate diet (Ellis, Graham, & Mortensen, 2013).…”

“…Following development, the larvae weave a cocoon, transform into adults and complete their life cycle (Spangler, 1985;Williams, 1997;Ellis, Graham & Mortensen, 2013. Besides their natural habitat, wax moths can be reared in laboratory conditions with the appropriate diet (Ellis, Graham, & Mortensen, 2013). The wax moth is often reported in honey bee colonies that are weakened by exposure to pesticides and diseases but is also a threat for healthy colonies.…”