Incidence of galleria mellonella infestationon apis dorsata colonies At different regions of South-Western Karnataka

The Apis dorsata normal and abandoned colonies built on the eaves of trees and on human built structures are infested by the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. The normal colonies with weak population were more prone to G. mellonella infestation and it was more in semi-arid region during summer (30.8%) followed by rainy season (23.4%). However, the infestation was less 11.0 and 6.6% during summer and winter seasons respectively in malnad. Interestingly, G. mellonella infestation was comparatively less during different seasons at arid region. The prevalence of G. mellonella infestation is common, however, the intensity was depended on colony strength and prevailed ecological conditions during various seasons at different regions of south-western Karnataka. Furthermore, eco-friendly management practices to control the G. mellonella infestation during different seasons at different regions are discussed so as to restore the existing A. dorsata population at its natural abode