>But I don't see how eating coloured pollen would make the white worm
look
>very much pinker than the pink worm, which looks more or less white.
>
>Any other ideas?
>
>For anyone who hasn't looked yet, here are the photos:
>
http://www.blessedbee.ca/encyclopedia/honeybees/diseases/waxmoths.php
>
>Frank.

Maybe you have a "sport" or it may just be genetic variability.  As I
read various people's descriptions of what wax moth larvae look like in
their country/area, I recognize that they look different here too.  In
my area, they are normally a gray or brown color on top (fairly dark)
and creme color underneath (speaking of greater wax moth larvae).

The picture at the bottom of the page that you describe as a chrysalis
is probably a "prepupa".  It will not be a chrysalis until it sheds its
skin.  It seems from my observations that the wax moth larvae spin their
cocoon and remain in the larval state until Spring when the weather
warms up, and at that time they continue their metamorphosis through the
chrysalis/pupal stage and then adults emerge.  If I tear open the
cocoons in the Fall or Winter, the larvae are usually capable of
crawling around and spinning more silk, and normally they will spin
another cocoon.  They make wonderful fish bait and pet food too.  My
chameleon loves to eat them.  You could almost consider them "another
product of the hive" because they have their own intrinsic value.  Waste
not, want not.  (Anyone interested in buying a chameleon?  I need to
move on to my next "project".)

Layne Westover, College Station, Texas, U.S.A.

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