News: Asian Hornet

Asian Hornets were reported and then confirmed to be in Tetbury in Autumn 2016.
A nest has since been located and destroyed, though it is advised for traps to be set up in Spring (from late March) and be extra vigilant around bee hives so any further sightings are reported quickly.

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
  • Legs brown with yellow ends
  • Head black with an orange-yellow face
  • Vespa velutina is a day flying species which, unlike the European hornet, ceases activity at dusk

Photos for identification can be found at: www.nonnativespecies.org

If you think you have seen an Asian Hornet, please try to take a picture and email it with details of where you saw it and your contact information to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk

Keep an eye on bee press for latest updates, including National Bee Unit