Asian Hornets On The Increase
Asian Hornets
On The Rise
Asian Hornets are on the rise! This year in the UK they have been spotted in their greatest numbers yet, which could have a catastrophic effect on our native bees, which they kill, dismember and eat
The species was first observed in Europe in 2004, when they were found in France. It is thought that they were accidentally transported in cargo from Asia. They have rapidly spread across Western Europe and have made their way across the Channel to Britain
This year there have abeen 16 sighitings already, a big increase since last year and the year before when there were only two recorded sightings
Most of these sightings were in the South East, although Asian Hornets have been seen in Dorset and in the North
We all need to be vigilant and report any sightings as they have caused havoc in France where they are now established and ruining honeybee populations
Asian Hornets are smaller in size, with distinctive yellow legs, a dark velvety thorax and abdomen with a yellow band on the fourth segment
There is an Asian Hornet Report App available or members of the public can report any sightings by email to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk with a photo or report here