Vespa velutina nigrithorax

Asian hornet

Description

The subspecies of the Asian hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, is (so far) the only invasive insect species listed in the List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern. Over the course of 20 years, it has spread to many countries in Europe (especially in Western Europe), and its expansion will continue due to suitable climatic conditions, an abundance of appropriate food sources, transportation networks, and the movement of goods. Despite not being a typical forest pest and not directly damaging trees, everyone should eventually be able to distinguish it from our native European hornet (Vespa crabro). The danger it poses is primarily to beekeepers, as it threatens honey production and the entire ecosystem and biodiversity. Since it prefers to build its nests in forests, we anticipate that forest managers will be among the first to report new occurrences to the responsible authorities. We would like to inform you that in August 2023, the presence of this hornet was discovered and confirmed in Hungary, approximately 10 km from the border with Slovakia.The entire generation is founded by a female - the queen. At first, she builds a small nest on her own, and later, with the new workers, the nest grows rapidly. Throughout the season, she lays 10 to 15 thousand eggs. The workers take care of the offspring (larvae). Their food is primarily bees, which is why it is so dangerous for beekeepers. At the end of the season, 300 to 600 new future queens can fly out of the nest, which, after mating with males, overwinter, and the whole cycle repeats.

Symptom

The Asian hornet is smaller than the European hornet, it has a yellow stripe on its abdomen and yellow legs. It is an excellent flyer and is capable of hovering in one place and catching bees.

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch

Pest significance: Not harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes