FIRST DETECTION OF NOSEMA CERANAE AND NOSEMA APIS IN GREATER WAX MOTH GALLERIA MELLONELLA

The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), one of the pests of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies, has spread almost all over the world. Although the G. mellonella is often reported to infest weak honey bee colonies that are exposed to pesticides and diseases, it is also a threat for healthy colonies. Therefore, there is a fairly high probability of transmission of both microflora-specific bacteria and pathogen micro-organisms, especially Nosema species, between these organisms (Moth and bees). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Nosema species in greater wax moth G. mellonella collected from apiaries as well as grown in laboratory conditions. Adults and late instar larva of wax moth were used for detecting Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. Real-time PCR amplification studies were performed and specific ITS regions were targeted to distinguish Nosema species. Real-time PCR results showed that N. apis and N. ceranae were found in both phases of G. mellonella. This is the first study to confirm that N. apis and N. ceranae are present in greater wax moth collected from apiaries and grown at laboratories in Turkey.