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Asian Hornet
The Vespa Velutina, or the Asian hornet, is a highly aggressive hornet native to Southeast Asia. In recent years, it has spread rapidly across Europe and has become a serious threat to the honeybee populations in many countries. In this article, we will explore the history of the Vespa Velutina in Europe, its impact on human health and honeybees, and the increasing threat it poses to the UK.
The Vespa Velutina was accidentally introduced to France in 2004, where it was first discovered in the southwestern region of Aquitaine. It is believed that the hornets hitchhiked on a shipment of pottery from China. Since then, the hornets have spread rapidly across Europe and have been reported in many countries, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and Belgium.
The Vespa Velutina is a highly aggressive predator whose main food source is honeybees. The hornets can kill large numbers of bees by using their powerful mandibles to decapitate them. They then return the bee’s thorax to their nest to feed their young. A single hornet can kill up to 50 bees in one day, and a colony of hornets can destroy a beehive in just a few hours.
Impact on Honeybees
The impact of the Vespa Velutina on honeybee populations has been significant. In areas where the hornets are present, beekeepers have reported losses of up to 90% of their hives. This has led to a decline in honey production and a reduction in the number of bees available for pollination of crops. The hornets also harm other pollinators, such as butterflies and moths.
In addition to their impact on honeybees and other pollinators, the Vespa Velutina threatens human health. The hornets are known to be aggressive and will attack humans if they feel threatened. Their sting is also more toxic than a honeybee’s and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. There have been several human deaths in Europe due to Vespa Velutina stings.
The Asian Hornet in the UK
The Vespa Velutina has been reported in the UK, these have been isolated cases, and the authorities have taken steps to eradicate them. Still, experts warn that it is only a matter of time before the hornets settle on British shores. The UK’s mild climate and abundant food sources make it an ideal habitat for the hornets, and there are concerns that they could devastate the country’s honeybee populations.
Efforts are underway to control the spread of the Vespa Velutina in Europe, with measures such as using traps and destroying nests. In some areas, beekeepers also use specially trained dogs to locate the hornets’ nests. However, these measures have been largely unsuccessful in eradicating the hornets, and experts warn that more needs to be done to prevent their spread.