Hornets About

Published: 22 September 2020

No need to panic but we now have a rather nasty Hornet - the Asian Hornet - in the country and indeed in Devon. Whilst it is particularly aggressive this aggression is directed very often at beehives. If it gains access to the hive it will destroy it completely, bees, honey, comb, the lot. It does have a powerful sting and can penetrate clothing.

DO NOT GO LOOKING FOR THIS INSECT but if you do see a hornet flying around then maybe just observe it with care. Often called the "Yellow-legged Asian Hornet, it is distinguished by its almost entirely yellow legs. Our native European Hornet has darker, brown legs. The Asian Hornet has a black thorax and abdomen with one visible yellow segment, whereas our European Hornet has a mostly yellow thorax and abdomen.

There are a number of other distinguishing features of our Asian friend but they are finer and need closer examination.

If you have a concern or think you have seen an Asian Hornet, contact a local beekeeper. If you are very sure that you have seen one try to observe its flight path and, ideally, find the nest then notify the Great British Non Native Species Secretariat by email at alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk . DO NOT TRY TO CATCH IT OR DESTROY THE NEST.