wax moth

noun

Definition of wax moth

: a dull brownish or ashen pyralid moth (Galleria mellonella) with a larva that feeds on the honeycomb wax of bees

Examples of wax moth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers in Spain and England recently found that the larvae of the greater wax moth can efficiently degrade polyethylene, which accounts for 40 percent of plastics. — Matthew Sedacca, Scientific American, "Plastic-Eating Worms Could Inspire Waste-Degrading Tools," 1 Aug. 2017 Wax worms, which are the larval stage of the wax moth Galleria mellonella, are commonly used in the United States as fishing bait or birdfeeder snacks. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "This Caterpillar Can Eat Plastic," 26 Apr. 2017

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