yellow larvae in silken cocoon identification - Ask Extension
This silken mass was between two boards in a sheltered woodpile. First of March, we pried it apart and bright yellow larvae began to emerge. They were...
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yellow larvae in silken cocoon identification #894135
Asked March 11, 2025, 3:40 PM EDT
This silken mass was between two boards in a sheltered woodpile. First of March, we pried it apart and bright yellow larvae began to emerge. They were less than an inch long and have a brown head. They appear to have chewed on the bare wood, but no holes were observed. I would like to know what these are and if they are favorable insects and should we leave them be? We don't have crops or gardens to protect and live next to a wetland full of birds and skunks so live and let live is fine. Thank you!
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
These sure look like wax moths, Galleria mellonella, do you keep bees? That species also makes the grooves in wood like you have pictured. However, it would be unusual to see them in the absence of honeybee comb.
