As the UK bee population faces a new threat, record Asian hornet sightings raise fears for native pollinators. A single nest of Asian hornets can consume more than 11kg of insects a season, posing a significant threat to Britain’s biodiversity and bee colonies.
A colony of Asian hornets can consume more than 11kg of insects during one season, posing a significant threat to native pollinators like honeybees.
The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is a large, predatory wasp native to Japan and other parts of Asia.
It's known for its distinctive yellow and black stripes and powerful venom.
The Asian giant hornet is responsible for an estimated 40-70 human deaths per year in Japan alone.
Its sting can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal.
The hornet's nest can contain up to 4,000 workers and is often built in tree cavities or rock crevices.
The first UK sighting of the Vespa velutina, also known as the Asian or yellow-legged hornet, was in 2016. Since then, beekeepers and scientists have been working to minimize the damage this invasive species can cause to Britain’s biodiversity and bee colonies. Last year, a wet spring and washout summer appeared to have hindered the insect’s population growth, with fewer nests spotted in the UK compared to previous years.
However, experts fear that the dry, sunny start to spring this year and the rapid spread of the species in Europe will lead to a surge in Asian hornet numbers. In Jersey, early reports have led experts to believe that record numbers could try to establish nests in the UK this year.
The Devastating Impact on Native Bees
A single nest of between 2,000 and 3,000 Asian hornets can devour more than 11kg of insects a season, equivalent to about 90,000 bees. The species is carnivorous, and their diet includes pollinating insects like the European honeybee, buff-tailed bumblebee, and red-tailed bumblebee.
If left unchecked, Asian hornets pose a significant threat to native pollinators, including honeybees. Their stings can cause painful and potentially deadly allergic reactions. The public is being urged to be vigilant everywhere and learn how to identify and report Asian hornets, which have yellow legs and an orange band on the fourth segment of their abdomens.
The Importance of Early Reporting
Experts believe that early sightings are crucial in understanding the national picture and helping people working to combat the spread of Asian hornets. The National Bee Unit’s Asian Hornet Watch app and online reporting tool can be used to report any potential sightings.
In March, a large-scale study found that 1,400 different species were present in the guts of Asian hornets, including 43 known to visit flowers. This highlights the significant impact of these invasive insects on native ecosystems.
Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) are native to Asia but have invaded Europe, causing significant ecological and economic damage.
Their venom is highly toxic, killing over 40 humans in France alone since their introduction in 2004.
They attack honeybees, decimating bee colonies and disrupting the ecosystem.
In Japan, they are responsible for an estimated '$30 million' in annual damages to agriculture and forestry.
The Challenge Ahead
If the government had not destroyed the nests reported by the public since 2016, modeling suggests that the hornets would already be established in large areas of England and Wales and entering Scotland. It is essential for the National Bee Unit to get every single nest confirmed to be successful with eradication efforts.
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a species of hornet native to Southeast Asia.
It was first spotted in France in 2004 and has since spread to other parts of Europe.
The Asian hornet preys on honey bees, attacking their colonies and killing the queen bee.
This can lead to a decline in local bee populations, threatening crop pollination and food security.
In some areas, the Asian hornet is considered an invasive species, with efforts underway to control its spread.
New hornet queens are constantly arriving in the UK from Europe to replace those that have been eradicated. Everyone needs to be vigilant, everywhere, as the Asian hornet can arrive in various ways, including on fresh produce or within someone’s car.
- theguardian.com | ‘Unprecedented’ sightings of Asian hornets raise fears for UK bees
