Achroia grisella
In 3 days ~20% in a week ~30%
The lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) is a small moth of the snout moth family (Pyralidae) that belongs to the subfamily Galleriinae. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. Adults are about 0.5 inches (13 mm) in length and have a distinct yellow head with a silver-grey or beige body. Lesser wax moths are common in most parts of the world, except in areas with cold climates. Their geographic spread was aided by humans who inadvertently introduced them to many regions worldwide.
The mating systems of the lesser wax moth are well researched because they involve sound production. Lesser wax males produce ultrasonic pulses in order to attract females. Females seek the most attractive males and base their decisions on characteristics of the male sound. While sex pheromones are also emitted by the males, male calling is more effective in attracting mates.
Because lesser wax moths eat unoccupied honey bee combs, they are considered pests to bees and beekeepers. However, unoccupied combs can harbor harmful pathogens that inflict damage to neighboring insects. By eating the combs, the moths can reduce the harm to insects of that region and provide a clean space for other organisms to inhabit. Wikipedia →
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|
More parks will be added in future updates.
With luck
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Lesser Wax Moth sighting in Auckland on a given day, based on 23 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 242nd most-seen of the 689 insects we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 20%, and over a week to about 30%, if each day is a fresh chance.
October to March
In those months about 10% of wildlife watchers report a Lesser Wax Moth in Auckland on a given day, against under 5% in April to September, the lowest months.
Yes
Of the 6 cities where we can rate Lesser Wax Moth sightings, Auckland has the highest daily chance: about 10%. Next come London (United Kingdom, under 5%) and Austin (United States, under 5%).
Same family: Pyralidae
The closest relatives of the Lesser Wax Moth that you can see in Auckland (family Pyralidae, Pyralid Snout Moths) are Meal Moth (about 10%), Indian-Meal Moth (about 10%) and Morosaphycita oculiferella (about 10%), with each one's daily chance of a sighting.
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the Lesser Wax Moth is recorded against all the insects logged in Auckland (23 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
