Issue 26Asian Hornet

ASIAN HORNET
Government Advises VigilanceThe yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, also known in the UK as the Asian hornet, is a non-native invasive species which has spread across mainland Europe and has an appetite for pollinators, including honey bees.
While there have been no confirmed yellow-legged hornet sightings in Scotland, 2023 saw a significant increase of confirmed incursions in England, including as far north as Yorkshire.
Image with border and centre quote
How Do They Get Here?It is possible for them to reach the south of England by flying or being blown over from France across the channel. The yellow-legged hornet however, is also a good hitchhiker that can travel through movement of vehicles, ships, and goods.
When Is the Best Time to Look for Hornets?We are most likely to spot a yellow-legged hornet from August to October once their population is at its highest and they are openly foraging for protein sources, so be alert around trees and vegetation where they might nest, and at potential food sources such as beehives or mammal carcasses.
As the colony disbands, individuals are more attracted by sugar sources and can often be found feeding on fallen fruit, compost heaps, and ivy nectar as the season draws to a close.
“We cannot underestimate the devastating impact this non-native predator has on honey bees and other insects, including important pollinators, and I urge people to be aware of what to look for and report any potential sightings.” Agriculture Minister, Jim Fairlie.
What You Are Looking For:

approximately 2.5cm in length, so bigger than a wasp but not as large as a European hornet

no ‘stinger’ – if you see something like that it is likely a wood wasp

dark velvety black body with a clear broad yellow band on the fourth segment of its abdomen

pinched waist and long antennae

orange face

yellow tips to legs

If you spot something that you think might be a yellow-legged hornet, please try to take a photo if safe to do so.
2
How You Can HelpIt is important to spot any incursion quickly to prevent them establishing – and that is where you come in. Whilst traps are available, the current risk of incursion into Scotland does not merit their use due to the risk of by catch and potential consequential damage to wild pollinators. We encourage focussing on targeted observations. This requires a bit more skill but can be just as successful as trapping and is more environmentally friendly.
To start, download the free Asian Hornet app – this has useful photos to help ID. Alternatively, check out the BeeBase Asian Hornet page before you start which has photos to hone your ID skills.
If you are a beekeeper, choose an observation site at the side of your colonies: somewhere you can see bees at the hive entrance, but not too close to attract attention. If you are a non-beekeeper carrying out observations, find a sunny spot at a flowering ivy or under an apple tree where there are plenty of active wasps and hoverflies.
Sit down, get comfortable, and watch the arrivals and departures for at least 20 minutes. Please be vigilant and encourage others to do the same. If you do see a suspected yellow-legged hornet, report it as quickly as possible.
How to Report a Sighting

Through the free Asian Hornet Watch app, available for Android and iPhone

Online at www.nonnativespecies.org/alerts/asianhornet

By email: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk

1

For more information visit: www.nationalbeeunit.com and www.nonnativespecies.org.Scotland Grows 26NavigationContentsEditor's WelcomeNational Trust for Scotland ROOTSWhat's Gorgeous in the GardenScotland Grows Show PodcastAwesome Autumn GardensWhat's On In ScotlandMake Fallen Leaves Your Garden FriendsClayton's BookPumpkin Picking Patches Across ScotlandReduce Pumpkin WasteMake a Hydrangea WreathPutting the Cutting Garden to BedOverwintering DahliasOverwintering Bell PeppersDaffodils for DecemberScotland Grows Reader FeedbackBringing Back the RosesFeature Your GardenTanker IrrigationGrow Your BusinessGarden Boosting BulbsGreenbank GardenTulip Planting Time3 Moisture Loving BulbsReaders Garden PicturesScotland's Apple Heritage PodcastApple Caraway SauerkrautPumpkin PowerSoothing SoupWhat is Green Manure?Bringing Back Local Seed VarietiesHydroponic GrowingCome and Chat About PlantsWinter Gathering 2024SGF ConferenceGrow a CareerScotland Grows websiteOne Garden ThingGo Gothic with HouseplantsGardening NewsAsian HornetGarden Jobs AheadScotland Grows SubscriptionA Goldmine of LeafmouldNext Issue advertArchives