The spread of invasive yellow-legged hornets, originally from Asia, has become a major threat to bee populations in western Europe.
Controlling the spread of these hornets in Great Britain relies heavily on public reporting, according to researchers.
The yellow-legged hornet (scientific name: Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is native to Southeast Asia and was first discovered in France in 2004. Since then, it has rapidly spread across western Europe and is now present in Great Britain.
This species poses a serious threat to native pollinators, particularly honeybees (Apis mellifera). These bees have no natural defenses against the hornet’s predation, making them vulnerable to population decline and even death. This not only affects biodiversity but also impacts the beekeeping industry as colonies are depleted.
A recent study published in the open-access journal NeoBiota presents a simulation model that predicts how quickly the hornet will spread and estimates how long official nest-detection efforts can remain effective before being overwhelmed.the model takes into account factors such as natural dispersal, genetic traits like producing infertile males, and the distribution of public observers across the landscape.
The study found that without public reporting, the hornet population in Britain could become unmanageable within 3-7 years. However,when public and beekeeper reports are taken into account,control efforts can remain effective for at least 10 years. The effectiveness of these efforts can be extended by increasing reporting rates and observer density.
The study also found that proximity to populated areas greatly increases the chances of triumphant nest revelation and destruction as these areas have more frequent sightings and reports. On the other hand, nests in remote or sparsely populated regions are at a higher risk of going undetected and contributing to further invasion.
Effective public awareness campaigns, online reporting tools, and targeted outreach to beekeepers have proven successful in controlling the spread of these hornets. For example, in one year alone (2023), nearly 21,000 public reports led to the destruction of 72 nests. The researchers urge for continued advancement and implementation of such engagement strategies, especially in low-density regions that are more vulnerable.
If you think you have seen a yellow-legged hornet in Great Britain, report it here.
Original source:
Warren DA, Budgey R, Semmence N, Jones EP, Jones B (2025) Public reporting is essential for controlling the invasive yellow-legged hornet: a novel model simulating the spread of Vespa velutina nigrithorax and timescales for control in Great Britain. NeoBiota 101: 25-44.https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.101.148570
Stay safe and be vigilant!