In 2004, a queen wasp of the species Vespa velutina (also known as the Asian hornet or the devil’s hornet) was transported to the port of Bordeaux, France, in a piece of Chinese pottery. After mating with several males, it flew off under the sun of southwestern France and began to build a nest.
After a few years, the descendants of this queen thrived. By the time authorities took notice of their growth, it was too late.
Devil’s hornet.
Two decades later, there are 500,000 Asian hornet nests in France, while their relatives have spread throughout Europe, appearing in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
In 2016, the first hornet was recorded in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Since then, chilling stories about this “killer species”—that slaughters friendly honey bees and poses a danger to humans—have increased.
The Invasion of the Devil’s Hornet in Europe
In mid-May, the Express published a warning article titled “Mapping Asian Hornet Hotspots in the UK as the Killer Species Invades the Country.” However, many also questioned the actual level of danger posed by this species and whether the media is overstating the threat.
According to Ian Campbell from the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), representing 25,000 hobby beekeepers, since their appearance in France, the Asian hornet has regarded the waters of the English Channel as a barrier, but “last year they changed the game a bit.”
From 2016 until last summer, this species was only spotted a few times each year in the UK, and each time, only a handful of cases were reported after 2016—prompting the National Bee Unit (NBU) of the government to swiftly eradicate the individuals and their nests. In 2022, only one hornet was discovered and destroyed.
In the UK, Asian hornet nests will be destroyed upon detection. (Photo: Alamy).
However, in 2023, 73 nests were destroyed. Asian hornets have established strongholds along the coast of Kent, where about 50 nests were found. Swarms have also been detected in East Sussex, Hampshire, and eastern London, as well as further north in Hull and even Newcastle.
This spring, Asian hornets were first spotted in the UK in March, a month earlier than usual, indicating that some may have survived their first winter here.
Genetic analysis of three queen hornets found in May at Four Oaks in East Sussex indicated that they were offspring born over the winter from a nest that was destroyed in Rye last November.
The reason for the increase in population is straightforward: the population of this hornet is booming along the coasts of France and Belgium. Asian hornets are hitching rides in tourist vans and sometimes cars, crossing to the UK via ferry. Some experts even believe that if the winds are favorable, hornets can cross the channel on their own.
Asian hornets are smaller than the native European hornets of the UK (which are lighter in color) but larger than the queens. They appear darker than the native hornets and wasps of the UK, with distinctive yellow legs and an orange face. Their abdomens are mostly black, except for a thick orange band; whereas the abdomens of native hornets are more yellow than black.
Both hornet species are primarily carnivorous, feeding on other flying insects. However, while European hornets have evolved alongside existing insect populations, Asian hornets are relatively new to Europe. The population explosion of this invasive group indicates that its numbers are not controlled by natural predators or pathogens.
Beekeepers are particularly concerned about this issue. It has been observed that Asian hornets hover around honey bee hives, preying on worker bees as they emerge. Campbell states: “A honey bee hive is nothing short of a supermarket for hornets.”
An Asian hornet can hunt and consume up to 50 honey bees in a single day, but their collective impact is significant. Asian hornet nests are unusually large; they can grow to the size of a watermelon by the end of summer. Each nest can house 3,000 hornets.
A study in France found that an Asian hornet nest consumes 11.3 kg of insects each summer. A typical honey bee weighs 116 mg.
In addition to killing honey bees, the presence of hunting Asian hornets causes worker bees to experience “foraging paralysis”: they hide in the hive, failing to gather enough nectar and pollen to survive the winter.
To Exterminate or to Accept Diversity?
It is challenging to determine the exact impact of the Asian hornet’s presence, as many variables influence honey bee productivity. In Portugal, beekeepers in some areas reported losing 50% of their hives to Asian hornets; beekeepers in France estimate that 29% of honey bee colonies have died due to hornets.
Many scientists believe that England should learn to accept the Asian hornet rather than seek to exterminate them. (Photo: Alamy).
The economic impact of this species is widespread. In mainland Europe, fruit ripening in vineyards and orchards has been devastated by Asian hornets, threatening wine and fruit production. In France, some outdoor markets have had to move indoors due to hornets being attracted to fruits, fish, and fresh meats.
There are also concerns about public health. Nests built early in the summer can be relatively low to the ground before moving up into trees later in the season. Spring queens are not overly aggressive, but if someone inadvertently steps on a ground nest, it could be disastrous.
As hornets establish themselves in the UK, outdoor workers such as farmers, gardeners, and railway engineers may be at greater risk of injury. Cases of death from hornet stings have been reported in France, but reliable data is lacking.
Some believe that the terrifying stories about the devil’s hornet are exaggerated, leading to confusion with the giant Asian hornet (Vespa mandarinia)—a separate species often referred to as the “murder hornet”, which is terrorizing many areas in North America. This species is unlikely to survive in the UK due to the cooler climate.
So far, relatively few scientific studies have quantitatively assessed the impact of Asian hornets on biodiversity and insect abundance, but scientists are seriously considering compelling evidence, primarily anecdotal.
“Ecologically, yes, it will change everything. But I don’t think it will be catastrophic. Unless you’re a honey bee keeper, you probably don’t have to worry too much,” stated Seirian Sumner, a professor of behavioral ecology at University College London.
“I’m also concerned about how these stories will affect public perception of hornets. We are at a point where we need to encourage people to embrace all aspects of nature, no matter how frightening they may be, because every part of the ecosystem has its role. And we are the cause of all these invasive insect species,” the professor added.
The UK’s defensive measures against hornets have faced criticism from some. However, many experts, including beekeepers and scientists, support the NBU’s efforts and those of the Non-Native Species Secretariat, emphasizing the dangers posed by accidentally introduced invasive species to the UK.
Many media stories about Asian hornets have been sparked not by a trend of fear-mongering but by government efforts to encourage the public to report sightings of Asian hornets so that this species can be contained.
The government remains committed to “eradicating,” but future scenarios will include “preventing” and then “a new normal”—accepting that Asian hornets are here to stay.
Professor Helen Roy from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is impressed that this effort has prevented the establishment of this species for eight years. “Hopefully, the same will happen this year. So far, prevention is the most important way to address the threat from invasive species,” she stated. “We have a right to consider invasive species as one of the top five causes of biodiversity loss. And social insects like Vespa velutina and ants are of particular concern. There is clear evidence of their impact on native biodiversity.”
