150 MONEY IN BEES IN AUSTBALASIA 



shelter the eggs, to carry on the particular cycle of insect 

 life. 



In June 1910 the author paid considerable attention 

 to the wax-moths, and here is a note on the egg laying. 

 "The wax-moth on entering the hive quickly ran up the 

 end bar of the frames close to the lug; here it paused for 

 a fraction of time, and after one or two nervous move- 

 ments of the antennae it spread its wings a little, and 

 immediately a small ovipositor was protruded from the 

 abdomen to the extent of one-eighth of an inch (it was not 

 unlike a bee's tongue at first glance, and about the same 

 colour). It moved rapidly, much the same as a minute 

 paintbrush. Presently a slight distension occurred, and 

 simultaneously a small white egg was seen to pass along 

 the ovipositor, and become attached to the frame end." 



When the grubs are able to move about, they usually 

 seek out combs that have been used for brood-rearing. 

 They very often refuse to touch clean white super-combs. 

 Probably the farinaceous pollen in the brood combs is 

 the chief attraction. The larvae grow much larger when 

 "farina" is obtainable, for poUenless super-combs 

 usually contain very small, shrivelled grubs. The larvae 

 tunnel through the combs, and line the sides of the 

 "walk" with silk. If a comb be held between the 

 observer and the sun, the movements of the larvae are 

 plainly visible. They should be removed with the blade 

 of a pen-knife. 



When a large number are infected, the frames should 

 be piled up in supers on a tight bottom-board. A cupful 

 of bisulphide of carbon, placed in an empty super at 

 the top will effectively fumigate the pile. The fumes of 

 the bisulphide are heavier than air, consequently it should 

 be placed high up. It will also be found advisable to 

 paste paper over the joints of the supers, to render them 

 air-tight. 



Strange to say, Italian and Cyprian bees are rarely 

 molested by the wax-moth, though the combs of black 

 bees are frequently tunnelled — sometimes right through 



