Pests of Honey Bees
Damaged combs showing silken galleries
Picture 7 of 15
Wax moth larvae damage or destroy the combs by chewing through the beeswax cells as they feed on cocoons, cast skins, and pollen. They spin silken galleries for protection from bees that will remove the wax moth larvae if they get the chance. Beeswax combs are often reduced to a mass of webs and debris. Wax moth larvae seldom attack new beeswax combs or foundation and they will not feed on blocks of pure beeswax or candles or such items made from beeswax.
![American foulbrood (pupal tongue)](http://agdev.anr.udel.edu/maarec/wp-content/gallery/diseases-of-honey-bees/71.gif "If death occurs during the pupal stage, pupae undergo the same changes in color and consistency as larvae. In addition, the pupal \\"tongue\\" from the dead remains of the pupa usually sticks to the top wall of the cell. The presence of this pupal tongue is one of the most characteristic symptoms of American foulbrood.")
