Asian Hornet

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  • Asian Hornet Surge: Sightings have dramatically increased, with confirmed breeding and overwintering in the UK for the first time (DNA evidence).
  • Invasive Species: Vespa velutina, native to Southeast Asia, poses a severe threat to native pollinators, especially honeybees.
  • Identification: Black velvety thorax, yellow legs, orange-yellow abdominal band, ~25mm long.
  • Predatory Behavior: Kills bees mid-flight, decimating insect populations (one nest consumes ~90,000 bees per season).
  • Origin of European Population: Believed to originate from a single queen arriving in France (2004) via Chinese pottery shipment. Now present in 15 European nations.
  • Rapid Spread: Dry weather accelerates population growth.
  • Early Surge in Activity: Jersey reports a 1,090% increase in queen sightings compared to last year.
  • Ecological and Economic Impact: Significant damage in Europe; France faces €30.8 million in annual losses due to reduced honey production.
  • Prey on Numerous Species: Eats 1400+ different species, including crop pollinators.
  • Reporting Sightings: Public urged to report sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch app or UKCEH online tool. Early detection is vital.
  • Containment Efforts: National Bee Unit actively destroys nests. Without these efforts, hornets would be widespread across England and Wales.
  • Ongoing Challenge: New queens arrive from Europe, making eradication difficult.
  • Public Vigilance: Remains vital to prevent irreversible harm to UK pollinators and ecosystems.
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