Achroia grisella       Cryptoblabes bistriga
62.006 BF1425 - Pyralidae - Galleriinae - Galleria mellonella
62.006 BF1425  – Wax Moth  – Galleria mellonella  – (Linnaeus, 1758)
Adult Micro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
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.
Specific Recorded History Dates for Common [Blue code Blue-coded] moths is not displayed/updated in this tab. However, all verified records for this moth are listed in the RECORDS tab below.
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©

Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 2002 - 2025)  |  Immatures: (between 2022 - 2022)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Galleria mellonella

Found 148 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 94 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 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: 0.86%   |   Total % Change: 21.9%

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

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Galleria mellonella

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 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Galleria mellonella – 148 records available

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

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Darley BridgeSK26Q19/09/20251AdultMoores, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45427859
Aston-on-Trent, DerbyshireSK43A25/08/20251adultWaldron, Robertvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44741283
Woodland Avenue MothtrapSK43R24/08/20251adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC49661301
Staveley DerbyshireSK47H15/08/20251adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44506708
Findern, DerbyshireSK33A15/08/20251adultHallam, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44527424
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N15/08/20252adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44661831
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N14/08/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44660607
BelperSK34U13/08/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44470886
Chaddesden GardenSK33T13/08/20251adultloverock, neilvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44493593
Allestree, DerbySK33P13/08/20251adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44547944
BelperSK34U12/08/20252adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44438793
BelperSK34N11/08/20253adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44395315
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T11/08/20252adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44422799
Shirland - Hallfieldgate LaneSK35Z11/08/20251adultMahadevan, Nikkivc57_irecords_extractiBRC44476313
Derby DESK33I11/08/20251adultWatson, Adrianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44530560
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N11/08/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44659660
Havercroft RoadSK38L08/08/20251adultTait, Malcolmvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44247463
BelperSK34N07/08/20252adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44278568
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N06/08/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44353637
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N29/07/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44351657
SheffieldSK38M28/07/20251adultTurner, Janvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44315041
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T25/07/20251adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44185828
Aston-on-Trent, DerbyshireSK43A19/07/20251adultWaldron, Robertvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43576979
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N16/07/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44235623
BelperSK34U10/07/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43292486
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N01/07/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44179044
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T30/06/20251adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43931969
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N30/06/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43964589
Mickleover gardenSK33C27/06/20251adultMaughan, Christinevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43892763
Sandiacre GardenSK43T15/06/20251adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC50340802
Woodland AveSK43R30/05/20252adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC48390782
Sandiacre GardenSK43T20/05/20251adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44474031
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N31/08/20241adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC38293160
BelperSK34N14/08/20241adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37913735
BelpeSK34N13/08/20241adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37925890
AllSK33P13/08/20242adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40215284
BelperSK34U12/08/20241adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37871283
LittleoverSK33G11/08/20241adultWatson, Adrianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43653216
upper cromford gardenSK25Y05/08/20241adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37720954
BelperSK34N01/08/20242adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37620958
Sandiacre GardenSK43T01/08/20241adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40222073
Derby DESK33I01/08/20241adultWatson, Adrianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43654614
upper cromford gardenSK25Y30/07/20241adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37556276
Derby DESK33I28/07/20241adultWatson, Adrianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43689664
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X23/07/20242adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37309817
Allestree, DerbySK33P21/07/20241adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40176476
Sandiacre GardenSK43T20/07/20242adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40192343
Ilkeston, DerbyshireSK44K19/07/20241adultHobby, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37608042
SandiacreSK43S17/07/20241adultpaul buxtonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37135740
BelperSK34U13/07/20241adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37025493
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X09/10/20231adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33377996
Allestree, DerbySK33P11/09/20231adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48419894
SandiacreSK43T10/09/20231adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34667707
Orchid WoodSK43L08/09/20231adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC32936753
Woodland AveSK43R08/09/20231adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33497337
BelperSK34N07/09/20231adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35299037
Allestree, DerbySK33P05/09/20232adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48411331
Ingleby Ave, DerbySK33L03/09/20231adultShervill, Andrewvc57_irecords_extractiBRC32822118
Woodland AveSK43R03/09/20232adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33497247
Findern GardenSK33A18/08/20231AdultHallam, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34638537
BelperSK34N15/08/20231adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35305741
Orchid WoodSK43L10/08/20231adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC32340336
Allestree, DerbySK33P10/08/20232adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48398141
SandiacreSK43T25/06/20231adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34377396
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y27/08/20222AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060537
SandiacreSK43T19/07/20221adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35177290
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A17/07/20221adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35167121
Allestree, DerbySK33P17/07/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48195333
SandiacreSK43T16/07/20221adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35176989
Mickleover gardenSK33C11/07/20221pupaMaughan, Christinevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35435205
SandiacreSK43T15/06/20221adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35176732
SandiacreSK43T10/06/20221adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35176394
SandiacreSK43T09/06/20222adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35176244
SandiacreSK43T20/05/20222adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35175792
Kirk Hallam, IlkestonSK44K19/09/20212adultHobby, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41041301
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A10/09/20211adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35166010
Woodland AveSK43R07/09/20211adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33499547
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A07/09/20211adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35165937
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y06/09/20211AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060534
Midway, Derbys.SK32A06/09/20211adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38546180
Allestree, DerbySK33P06/09/20211adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46912886
Allestree, DerbySK33P11/07/20211adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46668603
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y22/09/20201AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060535
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A22/09/20201adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35164263
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A15/09/20201adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35164199
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y08/09/20201AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060536
Allestree, DerbySK33P27/08/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46532414
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A11/08/20201adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35163702
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A05/08/20201adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35163515
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A24/07/20201adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35163331
Marlborough Road, Long Eaton, DerbysSK43X25/06/20201adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC14507283
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X25/06/20201adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33553480
Allestree, DerbySK33P24/06/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46346159
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A17/06/20201adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35162772
BelperSK34N22/08/20191adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35553748
BelperSK34U21/08/20191adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35347398
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y02/09/20181AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060538
Marlborough Road, Long EatonSK43X17/08/20181adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC7921418
Long Eaton - Marlborough RoadSK43X03/08/20184AdultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34622722
Marlborough Road, Long EatonSK43X27/07/20181adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC7921426
Marlborough Road, Long EatonSK43X15/07/20181AdultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC7921519
Long Eaton - Marlborough RoadSK43X26/08/20171AdultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34622723
Marlborough Road, Long Eaton, DerbysSK43X18/09/20161adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36713020
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y07/09/20161AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060539
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z21/06/20161adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33504635
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V23/06/20101AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COT6E
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S26/06/20091AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP4SK
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N10/06/20091AdultBarnacle, Brianvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COWQE
Drakelow NR (car park),Burton on TrentSK22F29/08/20081AdultM.J. Williams;R. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZX5
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V27/07/20081AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COWL3
Elgar Drive,Sawley,Long EatonSK43R28/08/20071AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP440
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S11/08/20071AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COWG0
Calke Park Ticknall Lime YardsSK32R03/08/20071adultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35106004
Ticknall Limeyards,TicknallSK32R03/08/20071AdultG.L. Finch;M.A. Finchvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COSDN
Elgar Drive,Sawley,Long EatonSK43R14/06/20071AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3UJ
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R26/09/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COS1N
FOREMARK RESERVOIRSK32H23/09/20061adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33442943
Miller's DaleSK17L23/09/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COW96
Foremark Resr, TicknallSK32H23/09/20061AdultDAVISON, Mr A., TOPLISS, Mr N., SOAR, Mr W., PEACHvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COW9J
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X15/09/20061adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33534355
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X15/09/20061AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COS0Z
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y12/09/20061AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34677983
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y12/09/20061AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COW89
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R12/09/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3MO
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X04/09/20061adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33534187
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y04/09/20062AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34677982
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X04/09/20061AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3L9
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y04/09/20062AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3LH
Edgecote Drive,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V03/09/20061AdultTopliss, Neilvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COW7M
Elgar Drive,Sawley,Long EatonSK43R02/09/20061AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COW7G
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V21/07/20061AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3AJ
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X12/07/20051AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2OL
Church St,Holloway,MatlockSK35I01/07/20051AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2K1
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X01/07/20051AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2KB
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y05/09/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34677981
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y05/09/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CORH3
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X04/09/20041adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33102841
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X04/09/20041AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CORGW
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y02/09/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34677980
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y02/09/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2EY
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y13/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34677979
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y13/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2DC
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y01/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34677978
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y01/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COREI
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A21/07/20041AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CORBK
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A16/07/20042AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP1ZO
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X15/07/20041AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVMW
MatlockSK36A01/09/20021AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP1GU

Achroia grisella       Cryptoblabes bistriga

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