The UK government has issued an alert for citizens to report sightings of the invasive non-native Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) after recent confirmed sightings in September 2018 in the town of Fowey, in Cornwall, England.
The hornet is not dangerous to humans. However, it is a predator of honey bees and poses a huge threat to native bee colonies.
Native to southeast Asia, it arrived on the European continent in France in 2004.
In 2016, it was first sighted in England, where a single nest was found and eradicated, followed by further sightings in 2017 and early 2018 in the southern parts of England.
Originally published by Cosmos as Bee-killing hornets invade Britain
Kelly Wong
Kelly Wong is the social media manager at The Royal Institution of Australia. She has a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Allergy and Immunology, Hons Class I.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
