Insect identification?

[KiwiLad]

When clearing my mite drop tray this afternoon, I found these critters crawling around amongst the assorted pollen and other detritus (still twtiching after several minutes in cheap cooking brandy). I also found fine web-like threads that remind me of what my mother would call "biddies" when she found then in flour.

The nearest I've found so far is the Mediterranean Flour Moth, the larvae of which look very similar -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Flour_Moth#/media/File:Ephestia_kuehniella_larva.jpg -- but what's it doing in my hive?

 

[KiwiLad]

Aha! I suspect Bee Moth Aphomia sociella! If so, does it require a response?

 

[KiwiLad]

Right, found the earlier thread on this topic: http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=33399&highlight=bee+moth

 

[Thymallus]

Look like greater wax moth larvae Galleria mellonella to me, or possibly lesser wax moth Achroia grisella, I know the greater wax moth has larvae up to 20mm in length, can't remember sizes for lesser's larvae. Have a look at this link here.
I would check the hive and make sure the bees are keeping them under control.

 

[KiwiLad]

Look like greater wax moth larvae Galleria mellonella to me, or possibly lesser wax moth Achroia grisella, I know the greater wax moth has larvae up to 20mm in length, can't remember sizes for lesser's larvae. Have a look at this link here.
I would check the hive and make sure the bees are keeping them under control.

Thanks... entomology was never my strong suit. As I have only the one poly hive, and only since 17 July, there's no chance of a wider presence here. They must have originated in the apiary that established my colony for four weeks prior to my getting them. Hmph!

I'll have a good look in my next inspection, now that I know what to seek out and destroy. I'll also check with my local guide on the generally expected levels here.

 

[B+.]

what's it doing in my hive?

A strong colony will take care of them but use your hive tool on them any time you can.
If you see any with 3 pairs of legs at the front and what looks like horns...take a sample for laboratory analysis.

 

[BeeJayBee]

When clearing my mite drop tray this afternoon, I found these critters crawling around amongst the assorted pollen and other detritus (still twtiching after several minutes in cheap cooking brandy). I also found fine web-like threads ...

This can happen if you leave the inspection tray in for too long. Wax moth lay eggs there, out of reach of the bees. They hatch into larvae and then start to do their worst. Check the condition of your hive - it could well have wax moth burrows or tunnels in it.

 

[KiwiLad]

This can happen if you leave the inspection tray in for too long. Wax moth lay eggs there, out of reach of the bees. They hatch into larvae and then start to do their worst. Check the condition of your hive - it could well have wax moth burrows or tunnels in it.

It's good to know the larvae may be originating on the tray, rather than higher in the hive. I've only checked the tray a couple of times as the colony appears to be varroa-free. I'll now have to control my impulse to look hourly!

 

[BeeJayBee]

Bees like to keep the floor of their home scrupulously clean, they can't get at a tray that's left beneath a mesh floor so the build up of debris can quickly go mouldy and/or attract other insects.

The varroa/inspection tray is for counting a mite drop as, and when, you need to count them. The rest of the time it should be in the bee shed.

 

[KiwiLad]

The varroa/inspection tray is for counting a mite drop as, and when, you need to count them. The rest of the time it should be in the bee shed.

Having only kept bees prior to varroa's arrival in NZ, I'm as naive about this as I am about long cold winters. I had been thinking the tray would give me my first signs of varroa should it arrive. I'll read up on the other key signs I should watch for.