Bee Moth Aphomia sociella

The Bee Moth is one of nature's rubbish recyclers. Their larvae live in nests of bumble bees and social wasps (not usually in honey bee hives, unlike their relative the Wax Moth). The caterpillars eat the nest debris first, then the wax/comb and then, unusually for caterpillars since most are vegetarian, they may eat the bee/wasp larvae.

The female Bee Moth (first 2 above) is larger and plainer than the male (top row), with less colour on her greyish wings. He is more colourful and strongly patterned, having white head/shoulders, a wide pinkish central band with a wavy dark border. Both have black spots on their sides. Thanks to Martin Starnes for the first and third male in top row and the first and third above.