Olfactory-mediated behavior and host selection in Galleria mellonella

The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella is a major pest of honeybee colonies and has also been reported in bumblebee and stingless bee colonies. Unlike most Lepidoptera, G. mellonella males release sex pheromones to attract females, and mated females return to beehives to oviposit within 24 h. Because G. mellonella harbors bee pathogens, adult females may facilitate horizontal transmission between colonies through dispersal. To clarify host use and chemical cues guiding behavior in G. mellonella, this study examined larval development on host materials and adult olfactory preferences.

Larvae successfully completed development and reproduction on both honeybee and bumblebee hive materials, although growth was slower on bumblebee materials. In Y-tube choice assays with both hives presented simultaneously, adult females were attracted to volatiles from both, but preferred those from the honeybee hive. Females showed modest attraction to male-emitted volatiles, although this response was weak, and no mating-dependent behavioral switch from sex pheromones to oviposition odors was observed. Pre- and post-mating females responded more strongly to hive odors than to male extracts. Adult males did not exhibit a preference for either male or female extracts but were drawn to beehive volatiles.

G. mellonella can develop in bumblebee hives, suggesting potential host expansion and pathogen transfer between bee species. Hive volatiles likely serve as key cues for host location and mating success. These findings highlight the role of chemical cues in mediating host choice and identify potential targets for attractant-based monitoring or control strategies to protect honeybee and bumblebee colonies. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.