waxworms

     

Waxworms are the larvae of the Pyraliae (wax moths). There are two related species, the lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) and the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella). They are used extensively as food in the pet industry, mostly due to their high fat content, their ease of breeding, and their ability to survive for weeks at low temperatures. Refrigerated wax worms are also popularly sold as fish bait, especially for members of the sunfish family.