The Beemoth or Waxworm 11 



averaged 80° F., although it was quite irregular. The average period 

 of incubation oi' this brood was 9.5 days. 



THE LAEVA 



DESCRIPTION 



When first hatched the young larva (worm) is only one to three 

 millimeters (1/25 to 1/8 of an inch) in length. They have a dirty 

 white, waxy color. The head is slightly yellow and smaller than 'the 

 prothoracic segment, which is decidedly prominent. The true or thor- 

 acic legs are especially well developed and the pro-legs or abdominal 

 legs are not apparent when the larva is first hatched, and only appear 

 normal when the larva is about three days old. 



FEEDING HABITS 



After emerging from the shell through a ragged hole, the larvae are 

 quiet for a short time while they are apparently drying in preparation 

 for their work of destruction. Soon they become active, but only upon 

 close examination is it possible to detect them hurrying over the comb 

 in their attempt to gain an entrance. Within a short time after hatch- 

 ing, the first meal is taken by the larvae. This consists of scales of 

 wax which they can loosen from the comb in their attempts to gain 

 an entrance. The larvae do not enter the comb near the eggs from 

 which they hatched. In fact, several entrances are attempted before 

 one is finished. This may be due to the extra hard comb in such areas 

 or it may be that they are frightened and never return to continue. 

 It was not observed whether entrances started are taken up by other 

 larvae. The entrance is made at the top of the comb between the 

 walls of adjoining cells. It is during this short period of an hour- or 

 more that the larvae are at the mercy of the bees but no doubt few if 

 any are killed at this time in the dark hives. 



The entrance is extended by the larvae into tunnels directed toward 

 the center of the comb or the bottom of the cells. The presence of the 

 larvae is readily noticeable as soon as the tunnels are well started. 

 In making these 'tunnels the larvae push back of them and out of the 

 tunnel bits of chewed wax not used for food. This makes the surface 

 of the comb appear rough and poorly kept. These bits of chewed wax 

 contain strands of the web of the larvae. It is evident that the web 

 is secreted continually by the larvae. Some larvae leave their tunnels 

 considerably and may even work two or three tunnels down to the mid- 

 rib of the comb. During this period of reaching the center of the 

 comb the growth of the larvae is very slow. During this time only a 

 small proportion of the wax is consumed for food. These tunnels ex- 

 tending to the bottom of the cell are increased in size to accommodate 

 the growth of the larvae, in which case only the thinnest wall protects 

 them. The time consumed in extending the tunnels to the center of 

 the comb varies greatly, from four to eight days. 



