Ludwig:
In reference to your question the insects are probably Indian meal moths
(Plodia interpunctella), although they could be another meal moth species or
similar Pyralid moth.  I have had samples of pollen sent to me with Indian
meal moth larvae and know that they will develop in bee pollen.  The larvae
spin silken threads as they feed and craw,l and the webbing can usually be
seen if the pollen is examined carefully.  The life cycle usually requires
4-6 weeks in the summer.
Rick
 
>Multiple recipients address correction.
>
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Mon, 10 Jul 1995 13:38:19 -0700 (PDT)
>From: Ludwig Rokus <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Bee pollen and "critters"
>
>Hi netters,
>While doing a sample prep on bee pollen for further chromatographic analysis
>I've found 5 out of 62 samples infested with maggots or worm like creatures.
>Despite the fact that prior reaching the lab,the samples were stored for 2
>month at the room temp. warehouse and the worms were quite alive and
>energetic. When transferred into an open container they started to climb up
>the walls and tried to escape. Using a pair of tweezers and a gentle touch
>we counted >100 of them and stored them in a separate container along with
>some bee pollen for further identification. The only difference from previous
>conditions was that we added 3 or 4 drops of tap water(L.A.county) thinking
>that the added moisture might improve their environment. The next day, they
>were all dead.
>The worms appeared to be approx. 1 cm in length ,slim and hairy.
>The color off-white.
>Does anyone have a similar experience seeing them in bee pollen and might
>know who the winged parent is ?
>
>Ludwig L.Rokus
>Valencia,Calif.
>email <[log in to unmask]>
>
Richard Fell     e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
703-231-7207  Fax 703-231-9131