21
eggs within or near the entrances, can readily discover weak colonies, when it does not hesitate to enter the hives, and thus the grubs eventually get a footing, from which they are seldom or never dislodged by the bees.
The late Mr. Sidney Oliff, when Government Entomologist for New South Wales, in an article on the natural history of this moth, said, “With us in New South Wales the first brood of moth appears in the early spring, from caterpillars which have passed the winter in a semi-dormant condition within the walls of their silken coverings, and only turned to pupæ or chrysalids upon the approach of warm weather. These winter (or hibernating) caterpillars feed very little, and usually confine their wanderings to the silken channels which they have made for themselves before the cool weather sets in. Upon the return of the desired warmth the caterpillars spin a complete cocoon for themselves and turn to the chrysalis stage, and in from ten days to a fortnight the perfect moth appears. The moth then lays its eggs in any convenient spot, such as the sides and bottoms of the frames, on the walls of the hive itself, or on the comb. In each case I have had an opportunity of observing the process, the moth chose the sides of the frames, as near to the brood combs as possible, the young larvæ having a decided preference for this comb. The larvæ having once made their appearance, which they usually do in from eight to ten days after the laying of the eggs, their growth is exceedingly rapid, the average time before they are ready to assume the chrysalis stage being only some thirty days. The average duration of the chrysalis period is about a fortnight, so it can easily be seen with what great capabilities for rapid reproduction we have to deal. As we have said, the number of generations, or broods, which develop in a season—i.e., between early spring and late autumn—varies with locality and climate; but it may be worth while to record that, in my opinion, we have sufficient evidence to prove the existence of four broods in the Sydney district under ordinary circumstances.”
The average length of the grub is about 1 in., and “when first hatched it is pale yellow with a slightly darker head, and of a greyish flesh-colour when full-grown, with a dark reddish brown head.” The length of the moth is about ¾ in., "has reddish brown-grey forewings, which are distinctly lighter in colour towards the outer or hinder margins."
The Remedy.
That wax-moths, large and small, are only enemies of careless bee-keepers and of those who have not advanced beyond the common box-hive stage is a well-known fact. Careful, up-to-date beekeepers have nothing to fear from these or any other insect enemies, but, as my correspondent says, as long as we have the careless man with us so long will the moths flourish. Follow the golden rule of beekeeping—viz., “Keep all colonies strong”—and insect enemies will not trouble you.
