of legs near the head. SHB larvae can be distinguished by the dorsal spines. Wax moth larvae lack dorsal spines and have 4 pairs of prolegs, fleshy leg-like appendages on the ventral side (Fig. 3). Infestation by greater wax moth is detectable by the presence of webbing on the comb (Fig. 4). The body of an SHB larva is smaller and firmer than the soft, plump body of a wax moth larva.

Pupae: SHB larvae leave the hive through the front entrance during their wandering stage and burrow in nearby soil to pupate in earthen cells. They prefer moist soils and burrow up to 20 cm (3 to 4 in) deep

(Hood 2014). The pupae begin as a creamy white color and change to a dark brown as they get closer to emergence (Ellis 2004). They remain in a pupation chamber (excavated area in the soil) for approximately two to 15 weeks depending on weather conditions (Somerville 2003). Recent research has shown that they can also successfully pupate in greenhouse substrates (Cornelissen et al. 2020). Adults: Adult SHB are dark brown to black, and measure 5 to 7 mm long and 3.2 mm wide. The antennae are clubbed (Fig. 5). The wing covers are short and do not completely cover the abdomen. The adults live up to 6 months and overwinter in the hive (Lundie 1940). Females prefer to oviposit in the hive on stored pollen or brood comb. It is estimated that females can lay up to 2,000 eggs during their lifetime (Somerville 2003). After emergence, the adults fly several kilometers searching for honey bee colonies to infest which they locate through volatiles.

Adults: Adult SHB are dark brown to black, and measure 5 to 7 mm long and 3.2 mm wide. The antennae are clubbed (Fig. 5). The wing covers are short and do not completely cover the abdomen. The adults live up to 6 months and overwinter in the hive (Lundie 1940). Females prefer to oviposit in the hive on stored pollen or brood comb. It is estimated that females can lay up to 2,000 eggs during their lifetime (Somerville 2003). After emergence, the adults fly several kilometers searching for honey bee colonies to infest which they locate through volatiles.

Adults and larvae of SHB feed on the eggs, larvae, and food of the honey bee (Lundie 1940) (Fig 6). The larval stage of the beetle is the most damaging because larvae burrow through the honeycomb consuming bee brood and food (Fig. 7). The adult beetles also migrate among colonies within the same apiary. Severe infestations can cause honey bee colonies to abscend or trigger the collapse of the colony. SHB also carries yeast in their feces that can cause honey to ferment, resulting in “sliming out” of the honey (Fig. 8). Feces from the beetle in the honey will result in a total loss of the honey crop (Hood 2004, Neumann et al. 2016).

Upon opening a hive for inspection, the beekeeper may see beetles flee to hide in the crevices of the hive. The beetles run away from light and might be seen only on the inner cover or scurrying across the combs. Larva can be visible on the comb and the honey may