Achroia grisella       Cryptoblabes bistriga
62.006 BF1425  –  Pyralidae –  Galleriinae – Galleria mellonella – Wax Moth – (Linnaeus, 1758) Adult Micro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive Species –       PDF Icon – click for General Verification Guidelines  |   PDF Icon – click for Specific Verification Guidelines
Blue –  Generally Common / Widespread   
Taxonomy:   Micro   >>  Pyralidae  >> Galleriinae
ID Difficulty:  green  – easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: Distinctively shaped concave edge to outer forewing. It rests very similarly to a noctuid moth. A very pointed rear end to the forewing. A scale tuft on thorax. Overall Greyish-reddish brown to forewing with a number of dark spots, dashes and streaks.
Distribution:  Not listed in Harrison & Sterling (1988) – Assume to be widely distributed and locally common across the county. Larva feed on wax in bee hives.
General Comment: None Flight Period: June /  July /  August /  September /  October –  On the wing during June – October. Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Tony Davison, Dave Evans  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 29-40mm
 Food Plant: Bee-hives.
Recorded dates for Common [Blue code Blue-coded] moths are not stored on the website at this current time.
Selected Images:  Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©,  Belper – Dave Evans©

galleria-mellonella - Wax Moth - Tony Davison
Galleria-mellonella – Wax Moth – Tony Davison
Galleria mellonella - Wax Moth - Dave Evans
Galleria mellonella – Wax Moth – 17th July 2022 – Belper – Dave Evans
Galleria mellonella - Wax Moth - Tony Davison
Galleria mellonella – Wax Moth – Tony Davison
62.006 BF1425 - Pyralidae - Galleriinae - Galleria mellonella
Galleria mellonella – Wax Moth – Tony Davison
galleria-mellonella - Wax Moth - Tony Davison
Galleria mellonella - Wax Moth - Dave Evans
Galleria mellonella - Wax Moth - Tony Davison
62.006 BF1425 - Pyralidae - Galleriinae - Galleria mellonella


Image Gallery

Galleria mellonella - Wax Moth - 17th July 2022 - Belper - Dave Evans© 62.006 BF1425 - Wax Moth -Galleria mellonella - Melbourne Tony Davison© 62.006 BF1425 - Galleria mellonella - Wax Moth Melbourne, Derbyshire Tony Davison© 62.006 BF1425 - Galleria mellonella - Wax Moth Melbourne, Derbyshire Tony Davison©

Distribution Map for Galleria mellonella

Found 137 records
    ↳ 29 from After 2025
    ↳ 54 from 2020 - 2024
    ↳ 54 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.

Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Galleria mellonella

⚠️ Please wait for the map to load fully – do not click the link shown.


Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

Visit NBN Site


Monthly Records By Year: Galleria mellonella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Galleria mellonella
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only. )


First/Last Recorded Dates: Galleria mellonella
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Galleria mellonella
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Galleria mellonella
AGR: 0.82%   |   Total % Change: 20.7%


CUSUM Analysis: Galleria mellonella
About this chart: CUSUM (Cumulative Sum) charts track long-term trends in moth populations [ filtered by 'Adult' and 'Mine' life stages ] by showing whether each year’s counts are above or below the historical average. Even small shifts build up over time, making trends of growth, stability, or decline easier to see. CUSUM highlights trend-consistency — asking: “Across the years, have moth counts mostly stayed above or below average?”
The data sample has 8 gap year/s here (zero records) between 2000 and 2025. The moth may have been present in those gap years, but no data was available. Too many year-gaps may exaggerate or skew the chart.

Counts for the current year (2025) are pro-rated based on data available up to month 9 (September) to provide a full-year equivalent.

ⓘ Purple line rises = years better than average; falls = years worse than average.
Peak (best year) Trough (worst year) Growth periods Decline periods
Population peaked around 2025, reaching above average levels. The lowest population point occurred near 2017, showing a significant decline.

What the Y-axis "Cumulative Deviation" means: Cumulative Deviation shows the running total of how each year’s moth population count differs from the long-term average. i

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Galleria mellonella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Galleria mellonella
( data includes Adult Stage only )

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2025.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Galleria mellonella – 137 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site NameTetradDateCountStageSource
Darley BridgeSK26Q19/09/20251Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Aston-on-Trent, DerbyshireSK43A25/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Staveley DerbyshireSK47H15/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, DerbyshireSK33A15/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N15/08/20252adultvc57_irecords_extract
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N14/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34U13/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Chaddesden GardenSK33T13/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Allestree, DerbySK33P13/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34U12/08/20252adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34N11/08/20253adultvc57_irecords_extract
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T11/08/20252adultvc57_irecords_extract
Shirland - Hallfieldgate LaneSK35Z11/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Derby DESK33I11/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N11/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Havercroft RoadSK38L08/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34N07/08/20252adultvc57_irecords_extract
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N06/08/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N29/07/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
SheffieldSK38M28/07/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T25/07/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Aston-on-Trent, DerbyshireSK43A19/07/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N16/07/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34U10/07/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N01/07/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T30/06/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N30/06/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Mickleover gardenSK33C27/06/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Sandiacre GardenSK43T20/05/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N31/08/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34N14/08/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelpeSK34N13/08/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
AllSK33P13/08/20242adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34U12/08/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
LittleoverSK33G11/08/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
upper cromford gardenSK25Y05/08/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34N01/08/20242adultvc57_irecords_extract
Sandiacre GardenSK43T01/08/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
Derby DESK33I01/08/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
upper cromford gardenSK25Y30/07/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
Derby DESK33I28/07/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X23/07/20242adultvc57_irecords_extract
Allestree, DerbySK33P21/07/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
Sandiacre GardenSK43T20/07/20242adultvc57_irecords_extract
Ilkeston, DerbyshireSK44K19/07/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
SandiacreSK43S17/07/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34U13/07/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X09/10/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
SandiacreSK43T10/09/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
Orchid WoodSK43L08/09/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
Woodland AveSK43R08/09/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34N07/09/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
Ingleby Ave, DerbySK33L03/09/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
Woodland AveSK43R03/09/20232adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern GardenSK33A18/08/20231Adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34N15/08/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
Orchid WoodSK43L10/08/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
SandiacreSK43T25/06/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y27/08/20222Adultvc57_irecords_extract
SandiacreSK43T19/07/20221adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A17/07/20221adultvc57_irecords_extract
SandiacreSK43T16/07/20221adultvc57_irecords_extract
Mickleover gardenSK33C11/07/20221pupavc57_irecords_extract
SandiacreSK43T15/06/20221adultvc57_irecords_extract
SandiacreSK43T10/06/20221adultvc57_irecords_extract
SandiacreSK43T09/06/20222adultvc57_irecords_extract
SandiacreSK43T20/05/20222adultvc57_irecords_extract
Kirk Hallam, IlkestonSK44K19/09/20212adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A10/09/20211adultvc57_irecords_extract
Woodland AveSK43R07/09/20211adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A07/09/20211adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y06/09/20211Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Midway, Derbys.SK32A06/09/20211adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y22/09/20201Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A22/09/20201adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A15/09/20201adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y08/09/20201Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A11/08/20201adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A05/08/20201adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A24/07/20201adultvc57_irecords_extract
Marlborough Road, Long Eaton, DerbysSK43X25/06/20201adultvc57_irecords_extract
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X25/06/20201adultvc57_irecords_extract
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A17/06/20201adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34N22/08/20191adultvc57_irecords_extract
BelperSK34U21/08/20191adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y02/09/20181Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Marlborough Road, Long EatonSK43X17/08/20181adultvc57_irecords_extract
Long Eaton - Marlborough RoadSK43X03/08/20184Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Marlborough Road, Long EatonSK43X27/07/20181adultvc57_irecords_extract
Marlborough Road, Long EatonSK43X15/07/20181not recordedvc57_irecords_extract
Long Eaton - Marlborough RoadSK43X26/08/20171Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Marlborough Road, Long Eaton, DerbysSK43X18/09/20161adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y07/09/20161Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z21/06/20161adultvc57_irecords_extract
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V23/06/20101Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S26/06/20091Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N10/06/20091Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Drakelow NR (car park),Burton on TrentSK22F29/08/20081Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V27/07/20081Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Elgar Drive,Sawley,Long EatonSK43R28/08/20071Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S11/08/20071Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Calke Park Ticknall Lime YardsSK32R03/08/20071adultvc57_irecords_extract
Ticknall Limeyards,TicknallSK32R03/08/20071Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Elgar Drive,Sawley,Long EatonSK43R14/06/20071Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R26/09/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
FOREMARK RESERVOIRSK32H23/09/20061adultvc57_irecords_extract
Miller's DaleSK17L23/09/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Foremark Resr, TicknallSK32H23/09/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X15/09/20061adultvc57_irecords_extract
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X15/09/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y12/09/20061Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y12/09/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R12/09/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X04/09/20061adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y04/09/20062Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X04/09/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y04/09/20062Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Edgecote Drive,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V03/09/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Elgar Drive,Sawley,Long EatonSK43R02/09/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V21/07/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X12/07/20051Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Church St,Holloway,MatlockSK35I01/07/20051Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X01/07/20051Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y05/09/20041Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y05/09/20041Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X04/09/20041adultvc57_irecords_extract
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X04/09/20041Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y02/09/20041Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y02/09/20041Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y13/08/20041Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y13/08/20041Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y01/08/20041Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y01/08/20041Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A21/07/20041Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A16/07/20042Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X15/07/20041Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
MatlockSK36A01/09/20021Adultvc57_danes_bc_data

Achroia grisella       Cryptoblabes bistriga

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