Jessie Taylor
The term candle fly typically refers to the adult wax moth, which was given this name because of its attraction to light and its prevalence in homes where candles were made of beeswax. Candle flies, or moths, are not stingers and are usually gray to brown in color, with spots or lines on their wings. They are most often seen hovering in large groups outdoors in the summer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Candle fly, candle moth, wax moth |
| Appearance | Brown, grey, or brightly coloured with spots or lines on their wings |
| Size | Small to large, most species have a wingspan of 3/4" to 2 1/2" |
| Behaviour | Nocturnal, some species are diurnal |
| Diet | Plant foliage, dead leaves, grasses, lichens, fungi |
| Habitat | Worldwide distribution, found in North America and the tropics |
| Attraction to Light | Strongly attracted to light, often seen near lights or candles |
| Vision | Compound eyes, almost 360-degree field of vision |
| Climbing Ability | Efficient climbers, able to move on horizontal, vertical, and upside-down surfaces |
| Reproduction | Female lays hundreds of eggs which hatch into wax-eating larvae |
| Impact | Cause economic damage to bee colonies, infestations are common |
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What You'll Learn
Candle flies are adult wax moths
There are several species of wax moths, but the most significant is the greater wax moth, or Galleria mellonella. Adult female moths are brown and do not cause damage. However, after mating, the female lays hundreds of eggs, which hatch into wax-eating larvae. These larvae can migrate from colony to colony, boring into the comb and leaving silken tunnels in their wake, which gives the greater wax moth its name.
The larvae cannot survive on beeswax alone but thrive on brood comb, which contains impurities such as cast larval skins that provide a balanced diet. Infestations in wax foundations are typically light, but infestations in dark brood combs can quickly lead to a mass of webbing and cocoons that protect the developing wax moth larvae and pupae. Beekeepers consider the wax moth an arch-villain due to the economic damage it causes to bee colonies worldwide.
Candle moths, or candle flies, are strongly attracted to light and are frequently seen near lights on the exterior of structures. They are typically nocturnal, but some species are diurnal. They have a wide variation in appearance, with most moths being grey to brown with lines or spots on their wings, while some species are brightly coloured. Most species are medium-sized, with wingspans ranging from 3/4" to 2 1/2".
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They are attracted to light
Candle flies, also known as candle bugs, are moths that are attracted to light. They are called candle flies because, historically, when candles were made of beeswax, these insects were attracted to the flame. The moths fly into the flame, burning themselves and drowning the wick.
The reason candle flies are attracted to light is that they mistake it for starlight, which they use for navigation at night. This is a common phenomenon, and humans have used this knowledge to their advantage. For example, to get rid of moths, people turn off the lights and light a candle, which attracts the moths, causing them to fly into the flame and burn.
Candle flies are not the only insects attracted to light. Flies, in general, are also attracted to light sources. This is why you often see flies buzzing around light bulbs. The light rays and refraction confuse the flies, and they fly away instead of landing. However, once they reorient themselves, they return via another path.
Interestingly, while flies are attracted to light, they hate the colour yellow but love the colour blue. This information can be used to create fly traps that lure flies away from areas where they are a nuisance.
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They have a wide variation in appearance
The term "candle fly" is used to refer to both certain species of moth and fly. Candle moths belong to the family Noctuidae, which is the largest in the Order Lepidoptera, with about 3,000 species found in North America. These moths exhibit a wide variation in appearance and behaviour. Most moths are grey to brown in colour, with lines or spots on their wings, while some species are brightly coloured. They can range from small to large in size, but most species are medium-sized with wingspans of 3/4" to 2 1/2”. When at rest, adults of most species hold their wings above their bodies like a roof.
Candle flies, on the other hand, are very small flies that do not sting and are often seen hovering in large groups or bunches outdoors in summer. They are attracted to light and are frequently found near lights on the exterior of a structure.
Both candle moths and candle flies are drawn to flames, which they mistake for starlight, a natural source of navigation for nocturnal insects. This attraction to light is a defining feature of candle flies and moths, and it is how they got their name.
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They are considered pests
Although moth flies, commonly known as drain flies or candle flies, may not seem like pests at first glance, they are indeed considered nuisance insects for several reasons.
For one, moth flies are often associated with unsanitary conditions as they breed in sewage and wastewater. Their larvae thrive in the organic matter that accumulates in drains, sewers, and septic tanks, feeding on bacteria and decomposing organic material. This association with unsanitary environments can lead to concerns about hygiene and potential health risks.
Secondly, while they do not bite or directly harm humans, their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance. Candle flies are attracted to light and are known to swarm around light sources, including windows and lamps. This behavior can be annoying and disruptive to people trying to work or relax in the affected areas. The flies may also contaminate food items left uncovered, as they are attracted to a variety of foods, including sweets, fruits, and fermented beverages.
Additionally, the presence of moth flies may indicate an underlying issue with plumbing or drainage systems. Their breeding sites are often indicative of slow-draining pipes, clogged drains, or leaks that create damp conditions favorable for their larvae. Ignoring these issues can lead to more costly plumbing problems and even structural damage if left unaddressed.
The reputation of candle flies as pests is further solidified by their ability to quickly establish large infestations. The flies have a short life cycle, and under favorable conditions, populations can explode, making control and eradication more challenging. The small size and agile flying abilities of candle flies also make them difficult to capture or eradicate using traditional pest control methods, adding to their pest status.
Overall, while candle flies may not cause direct harm or damage like other pests, their association with unsanitary conditions, nuisance behavior, and ability to indicate plumbing issues contribute to their classification as pests in both residential and commercial settings. Proper pest management strategies and preventative measures are often implemented to control and prevent infestations of these flies.
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They are not dangerous
Despite their intimidating appearance, candle flies are not harmful to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit any diseases. Candle flies are often mistaken for dangerous insects like wasps or hornets due to their similar colouration and long, slender bodies. However, candle flies are completely harmless and lack the ability to inflict any pain or harm. Their main defence mechanism is to play dead, dropping to the ground and feigning death when threatened. This behaviour further emphasises their non-threatening nature.
The concern regarding candle flies often stems from their tendency to congregate in large numbers around lights, particularly during the summer months. While this behaviour can be unnerving, it is simply a result of their attraction to light sources, which they use as a navigational aid. Candle flies are nocturnal and are drawn to the artificial light, often gathering around porch lights, street lamps, and windows. However, they do not cause any harm to the structures they swarm and are simply seeking temporary refuge.
Some people also worry about the potential damage candle flies could inflict on crops or gardens. However, these insects are not pests and do not feed on plants or agricultural crops. Adult candle flies do not feed at all, and the larvae feed primarily on decaying organic matter, helping to break down and recycle nutrients in the ecosystem. So, they do not pose a threat to your garden or agricultural endeavours. In fact, their presence can be beneficial as they contribute to the natural process of decomposition and nutrient cycling.
It's important to dispel any misconceptions about the danger posed by candle flies. While they may startle those who are unfamiliar with their unique appearance and behaviour, they are gentle, harmless insects. Their contribution to the ecosystem is valuable, and they play a role in nature's intricate balance. So, the next time you encounter a candle fly, remember that they are not a cause for concern and simply appreciate their intriguing beauty and the important role they play in the natural world.
To summarise, candle flies are often misunderstood due to their resemblance to wasps and their attraction to light sources, but they pose no threat. They are gentle, non-biting insects that lack the ability to sting or transmit diseases. With their defence mechanism being to play dead, they are not aggressive and do not cause harm to humans, pets, or crops. It is important that we spread awareness about the harmless nature of candle flies to prevent unnecessary fear or harm towards these fascinating creatures.
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Frequently asked questions
A candle fly is the adult wax moth, so-called when candles were made primarily of beeswax.
Most candle flies are grey to brown in colour and have lines or spots on their wings. Some species are brightly coloured. They can range from small to large in size, but most species are medium-sized with wingspans of 3/4" to 2 1/2".
Candle flies are found worldwide, with about 3,000 species in North America alone. They are typically nocturnal, though some species are diurnal.
Candle flies are strongly attracted to light and will frequently be seen near lights on the exterior of a structure. They are also known as candle bugs.
