In the garden that I tend at my house, I came across this hornet that has the most stunning colouring.
The Asian Hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet or Vespa velutina, is a species of hornet native to Southeast Asia. Over the past few decades, it has spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, and has become a significant concern due to its aggressive behaviour and potential impact on local ecosystems.
Asian Hornets are larger than most other hornet species, with workers measuring up to 3 cm in length and queens measuring up to 4.5 cm in length. They have a distinctive yellow-orange head and dark brown or black body, with a single band of yellow on the fourth abdominal segment. Their legs are also yellow, with the last segment being almost entirely black.
One of the most concerning aspects of the Asian Hornet is its aggressive behaviour. They are known to attack other insects, including bees and other hornet species, and can pose a significant threat to local ecosystems. In addition, their venom is potent and can cause severe allergic reactions in humans, which can be life-threatening in some cases.
Asian Hornets are also a significant concern for beekeepers, as they are known to prey on honeybees. They can rapidly destroy entire colonies, causing significant economic losses for beekeepers and potentially disrupting local pollination networks. In some areas of Europe, beekeepers have had to take extreme measures, such as placing nets over their hives, to protect their bees from Asian Hornet attacks.
Efforts to control the spread of Asian Hornets have been ongoing, with various methods being used, including traps, pesticide treatments, and nest destruction. However, due to the hornet’s ability to fly long distances, it has proven challenging to contain its spread entirely.
In conclusion, the Asian Hornet is a highly invasive species that pose a significant threat to local ecosystems and human health. Its aggressive behaviour, potent venom, and impact on bee populations make it a significant concern for beekeepers, environmentalists, and public health officials. Efforts to control its spread must be ongoing, and continued research is needed to better understand its behaviour and impact on local ecosystems.
of hornet indigenous to Southeast Asia. It is of concern as an invasive species in some other countries.
