wax moth

American  

noun

1. bee moth.

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wax moth British  

noun

1. Also called: honeycomb moth.   bee moth.  a brown pyralid moth, Galleria mellonella, the larvae of which feed on the combs of beehives

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Etymology

Origin of wax moth

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

The researchers are using saliva from the larvae of the greater wax moth, commonly known as wax worms.

From BBC

In March, German researchers revealed a bug that feasts on toxic polyurethane, while earlier work has shown that wax moth larvae – usually bred as fish bait – can eat up polythene bags.

From The Guardian

Previous research has also shown that some fungi can break down PET plastic, while wax moth larvae – usually bred as fish bait – can eat up polythene bags.

From The Guardian

Students will be assigned throughout the school year to monitor the hive for invasive pests like the wax moth and the varroa mite, which attacks and feeds on honey bees.

From Washington Times

While cleaning out empty hive boxes infested with greater wax moth caterpillars, a researcher in Spain put them in a plastic grocery bag.

From Science Magazine