What is a primary outcome when wax moth larvae infest a weak honeybee colony?
Answer
Larvae tunnel through brood comb, killing developing bees
The threat posed by wax moths is significantly amplified when they target a weak honeybee colony because the bees lack the necessary numbers to mount an effective defense against the invading larvae. In this vulnerable state, the larvae are able to tunnel extensively through the brood comb. This destructive tunneling directly attacks the cells containing developing bees, leading directly to the death of the brood. The loss of developing bees further weakens the colony's population base, establishing a destructive feedback loop that can rapidly lead to the collapse and eventual abandonment of the hive by the remaining bees.
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