Honey Bee Parasites, Pests, Predators and Diseases

Cocoons attached to frames

When fully grown, the wax moth larva spins a rough silken cocoon, which is usually attached to a frame or the inside of the hive. Frequently the larva cements the cocoon inside a boat-shaped cavity chewed into the wood. Chewed wooden frames are weakened and easily broken. Within the cocoon, the larva changes to the pupa and over-winters in the pupal stage. Under warm conditions, adults may emerge at almost any time of year.