Yellow Legged Asian Hornet
Vespa velutina, also known as the ‘Asian hornet’ is a destructive and potentially dangerous, invasive, non-native species originally from Asia that has now made its way to UK shores.
As a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and other beneficial species, the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet can cause significant losses to bee colonies, other native species and potentially ecosystems. Just one nest of hornets can consume up to around 11kg of insects in a year.
Please see the Asian Hornet ID Sheet produced by the NNSS.
If you see or think you have seen a Yellow Legged Asian Hornet - you MUST report it, including a photo to aid identification.
Do not under any circumstances disturb or provoke an active hornets’ nest.
What to look out for
As a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and other beneficial species, the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet can cause significant losses to bee colonies, other native species and potentially ecosystems. Just one nest of hornets can consume up to around 11kg of insects in a year.
Please see the Asian Hornet ID Sheet produced by the NNSS.
If you see or think you have seen a Yellow Legged Asian Hornet - you MUST report it, including a photo to aid identification.
- Please download the Asian Hornet Watch app on your phone to send a picture and a location via GPS in the app straight to the non-native species secretariat and National Bee Unit.
Download at the Apple Store
Get it on Google Play - If you cannot download the Asian Hornet Watch app, please use this online recording form
- As a last resort, you send a picture and email with details of where you saw the Asian hornet with your contact details to [email protected]
Do not under any circumstances disturb or provoke an active hornets’ nest.
What to look out for
- Vespa velutina queens are up to 3 cm in length; workers up to 25 mm
(slightly smaller than the native European hornet (Vespa crabro) - Entirely dark brown or black velvety body, bordered with a fine yellow band
- Only one band on the abdomen: 4th abdominal segment almost entirely yellow/orange
- Known as the ‘Yellow legged hornet’
- Head black with an orange-yellow face
- Vespa velutina is a day flying species which, unlike the European hornet, ceases activity at dusk
For more information including latest sightings, useful identification sheets and posters and contact details of your local Asian Hornet Team Coordinator - please visit:
https://www.bbka.org.uk/Pages/Category/asian-hornet-vespa-velutina
https://www.bbka.org.uk/Pages/Category/asian-hornet-vespa-velutina
