Ben Carter
The term “candle fly” refers to flying insects that are attracted to lights at night, especially moths. Moths are drawn to flames, and unless the flame is extinguished or the moth is pushed away, it will inevitably fly into it. This behaviour has been likened to humans being drawn to temptations and distractions. Historically, the adult wax moth was called a candle fly when candles were primarily made of beeswax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Any flying insect attracted to lights at night, especially a moth or June bug. |
| Other names | Candle bug, miller, moth fly, candle miller, light bug, lamp bug, electric light bug |
| Wax moth | The adult wax moth was called a candle fly when candles were made of beeswax. |
| Wax moth species | Galleria mellonella, the greater wax moth, is responsible for economic damage to bee colonies worldwide. |
| Wax moth appearance | Adult female moths are brown and harmless. |
| Wax moth larvae | Wax-eating larvae can migrate from colony to colony, boring into the comb and leaving tunnels. |
| Wax moth control | Chemical fumigation has traditionally been used to keep wax moths from infesting stored comb. |
| Candle moth appearance | Most moths are grey to brown with lines or spots on their wings, but some are brightly coloured. |
| Candle moth behaviour | Nocturnal, but some species are diurnal; they are attracted to light. |
| Candle moth larvae | Most larvae feed on plant foliage, dead leaves, grasses, lichens, and fungi. |
| Candle moth intrusion | Infrequent, usually due to a change in weather, seeking shelter, or wandering inside through open doors. |
| Moth behaviour | Moths are drawn to flames and will fly into them, which can be fatal. |
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What You'll Learn
Candle flies are moths
Candle flies are nocturnal insects that are attracted to lights at night. They are typically found near lights on the exterior of a structure. They are also known to invade homes or places of business, usually due to a change in weather. Candle flies are considered pests, as they can cause infestations and damage to colonies.
The name "candle fly" comes from the insect's tendency to be drawn to flames, much like a moth to a flame. They will frequently fly towards a candle, even to their detriment. This behaviour has been compared to humans being drawn to temptations and distractions, even when they have little or no value.
Candle flies have a wide variation in appearance and behaviour. Most are grey to brown in colour and have lines or spots on their wings, while some species are brightly coloured. They can range in size, but most species are medium-sized with wingspans of 3/4" to 2 1/2".
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Moths are drawn to flames
The term "candle fly" refers to any flying insect that is attracted to lights at night, especially moths. Moths are drawn to flames, a phenomenon that has been observed and documented for centuries.
Moths have a long-standing association with candles and flames, with historical records dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries referring to "candle flies" or "candle bugs." These terms were used to describe moths that were attracted to candlelight. In the past, when candles were primarily made of beeswax, the adult wax moth was commonly known as the "candle fly."
The question "Why are moths drawn to flames?" has intrigued people for ages, and it remains a fascinating aspect of moth behaviour. Moths are nocturnal insects that have evolved to use starlight for navigation during the night. However, when artificial light sources like candles or electric lights are introduced, moths can become confused and attracted to these lights.
This attraction to flames can be explained by a combination of factors, including the moth's navigation system and its sensitivity to light. Moths use the moon and stars for orientation, and artificial lights can disrupt their navigation, drawing them closer and closer. Additionally, moths have photoreceptor cells in their eyes that are sensitive to ultraviolet light, blue light, and green light. The ultraviolet light emitted by flames may be particularly attractive to moths, as it is outside the range of human vision but visible to them.
The result of this attraction is often fatal for moths. Unless they are deterred or the flame is extinguished, moths will fly into the flame, meeting an unfortunate end. This behaviour has been likened to human temptation and distraction, where individuals are drawn to things that may have little or no value for them, similar to how a moth is irresistibly drawn to a flame that offers it nothing.
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Wax moths were called candle flies
The term "candle fly" was historically used to refer to the adult wax moth, back when candles were predominantly made from beeswax. The wax moth belongs to the family Noctuidae, the largest family in the Order Lepidoptera, with about 3,000 species found in North America.
Wax moths are cold-blooded insects, and their development rate is influenced by external temperatures. During temperate winters, their populations tend to decrease, only to resurge in the following summer. In regions with warmer climates, such as southern latitudes, wax moth populations remain active for longer periods, and winter has less impact on their numbers.
The name "candle fly" stems from the moth's attraction to light. They are nocturnal creatures, frequently seen hovering near lights on the exterior of buildings. This behaviour often leads to their demise, as they fly into candles or other light sources, resulting in fatal outcomes.
Wax moths have a significant impact on bee colonies worldwide. The adult female moths lay hundreds of eggs, which hatch into wax-eating larvae. These larvae bore into the comb, creating silken galleries or tunnels, particularly in dark brood combs. While infestations in wax foundations are usually minor, infestations in dark brood combs can result in extensive webbing and cocoons that protect the developing wax moth larvae and pupae.
To control and prevent infestations, beekeepers have traditionally relied on chemical fumigation. However, due to restrictions on pesticide use, the number of available chemical options has decreased. Alternative methods, such as freezing comb honey, using cold rooms, and maintaining strong bee colonies, are also employed to manage wax moth populations.
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Candle flies are attracted to lights at night
Candle flies, also known as candle bugs, are flying insects attracted to lights at night. They are called candle flies because they are drawn to candles, just like moths. In the past, when candles were made primarily of beeswax, the adult wax moth was referred to as a candle fly.
The candle fly is mentioned in several historical newspaper articles, including the 1865 Daily Constitutionalist (Augusta GA), which describes how "naught disturbed the universal calm... save... the buzz of the silly candle-fly, as it ventured too near the light, and lost its pinions." Similarly, an 1802 entry in the Jefferson Papers mentions the need for wire screens on windows to "exclude the candle flies and bugs in the evening."
Candle flies are not the only insects attracted to light. Moths, for example, are well-known for their attraction to flames, a phenomenon that has been compared to human temptation and distraction. This behavior is believed to occur because moths mistake the light from candles or flames for starlight, which they use for navigation at night.
The candle moth is a general term for moths belonging to the family Noctuidae, which is the largest family in the Order Lepidoptera, with about 3,000 species found in North America. They exhibit a wide variation in appearance and behavior, but most are gray to brown with lines or spots on their wings. They are typically nocturnal, and their larvae feed on plant foliage, dead leaves, grasses, lichens, and fungi.
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Candle flies are pests
Candle flies, also known as candle bugs, are a variety of flying insects attracted to lights at night. They are considered pests due to their intrusive behaviour, frequently invading homes and businesses. While their intrusion is often associated with changes in weather, they can cause significant inconvenience and, at times, even damage.
Historically, the term "candle fly" referred to the adult wax moth when candles were predominantly made of beeswax. The wax moth, belonging to the family Noctuidae, includes about 3,000 species in North America alone. These moths, mostly grey to brown in colour, are strongly attracted to light, earning them the moniker "candle moths." Their attraction to light can lead them to invade indoor spaces, causing a nuisance and, in some cases, resulting in their fatal attraction to candles and other light sources.
The economic impact of candle flies, specifically the wax moth, is notable in bee colonies worldwide. The female wax moth lays hundreds of eggs, which hatch into wax-eating larvae. These larvae bore into the comb, creating silken galleries or tunnels, thus damaging the colony. While infestations in wax foundations are usually light, dark brood combs can quickly become infested, leading to a mass of webbing and cocoons protecting the developing wax moth larvae and pupae.
Additionally, candle flies can swarm in large numbers, affecting daily life and requiring pest control measures. In the past, various chemicals have been used to fumigate and control infestations, such as ethylene dibromide (EDB) and paradichlorobenzene (PDB). However, due to regulatory restrictions, the options for chemical fumigation have become limited.
Overall, candle flies, or candle moths, are considered pests due to their intrusive behaviour, their attraction to indoor light sources, and the economic impact they can have on bee colonies. Their ability to swarm and their destructive nature contribute to their classification as pests.
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Frequently asked questions
A candle fly is a term for flying insects that are attracted to lights at night, especially moths.
Candle flies are attracted to lights because they mistake it for starlight, which they use for navigation at night.
When a candle fly touches a flame, it usually results in its death.
To get rid of candle flies, you can turn off all the lights and light a single candle. The candle flies will be attracted to it and perish.
