Species Details

ABH: 62.005

BF: 1426

Family: Pyralidae

Subfamily: Galleriinae

Taxon: Achroia grisella

Authority: (Fabricius, 1794)

Vernacular: Lesser Wax Moth

Account: Local throughout much of the British Isles, except for Scotland. Less common than previously due to improvements in bee-keeping practices. Most records originate from the southern third of Hampshire, particularly along the Test and Solent, and quite scarce in the north of the county; since 2010, recorded annually in the Isle of Wight where it was previously virtually unknown. Wingspan 16-24 mm. The characteristic shape, yellow head and absence of wing-markings facilitate identification [Goater]. Larva feeds on beeswax, dead insects and dried fruit; can be a pest of beehives.

Accounts provided by and used with the kind permission of Mike Wall, Hampshire County Moth Recorder. These will in due course be gradually replaced with species accounts with a Surrey context.

Wingspan: 16 — 24 mm

Surrey Flight Period: 28 May (2018) — 30 Sep (2011)

The flight period of overwintering adults are not given. See the flight chart below the distribution map.

Foodplant:

Foodplant accounts are from the HOSTS database — Natural History Museum, London, UK. (CC0).

Status: Local

UK BAP:

WCA:

Click here to view the full geology map of Surrey.

Verification Grade: 1 — Relatively easily identified 👌

Further Information: https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/achroia-grisella/

Statistics

* Based on adult records only.

Records: 23

Individuals: 3

Earliest Year: 1997

Latest Year: 2024

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