What is this about?
- About the normal development of the bee brood in the hive.
- About the fermentation of bee bread in the frames.
- About the multiplication of varroa in the capped brood.
- About the reproductive cycle of the wax moth.
Show answer
Correct answer: 4.
About the reproductive cycle of the wax moth.
Why?
The description corresponds to the wax moth: a fertilised female can lay numerous whitish eggs in a hive or in stored frames. The young caterpillars then develop in the combs, where they can cause significant damage, especially in weak colonies or poorly protected frames.
What to understand
The wax moth is not only an adult moth visible near the hives. The problem comes above all from its larvae, which dig galleries in the wax, leave silken webs and droppings, and damage the frames.
The duration of the cycle depends strongly on the temperature. In favourable weather, development can be rapid; in cold or unfavourable conditions, certain stages can survive longer before resuming their development.
Key points
The wax moth develops above all when frames are poorly stored or when the colony is no longer strong enough to protect its combs. Good comb hygiene, suitable storage and the maintenance of sufficiently vigorous colonies greatly limit the risk.