After sightings of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) on the Austro-Hungarian border, the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) has called on beekeepers to pay more attention. Regular 20-minute observations of the bee’s flight would be sufficient to identify the alien species. The species poses a particular threat to beetle colonies, as their preferred prey is mainly the “social hymenoptera” (bees, wasps, flies).
Vespa velutina is considered a daily hunt as it flies. “In front of the beehives, she lies in wait for the returning hovering bees,” says AGES. The danger to bee colonies is estimated differently by experts. However, there is information that in late autumn, when other insect populations are declining, about 75 bees per day may be preyed upon by Vespa velutina.
A colony consists of 6000 hornets
Characteristic of the species are nests with a diameter of 40 to 60 centimeters with a side exit in tall trees. The hornet colony consists of an average of 6000 individuals, with only the queens hibernating.
AGES called on beekeepers on Friday to send photos of the relevant specimens with the corresponding location to bienen@ages.at in case of suspicious cases. “Any positive report will be forwarded to the relevant state authorities,” the report said. AGES, on the other hand, advises against capturing or killing the animals, as confusion is possible.
Introduced in France from Asia
The Asian hornet was introduced to France from Southeast Asia in 2004 and has since 2015 spread to large parts of France, as well as Portugal, Spain, Italy and Germany. In 2016 she reached the Channel Islands and Great Britain. In 2017, a reproductive queen was registered in Switzerland. “Distribution is considered possible for the whole of Europe up to southern Scandinavia. It is probably only a matter of time before it reaches Austria,” AGES warned.
Although allergic reactions are possible, the Asian hornet is generally as harmless as the native species (Vespa cabro). “Both species are peaceful and usually only attack humans when threatened. The noisy flight is particularly disturbing,” the report said.
Sightings at the border with Hungary
After the sightings at the border with Austria on Tuesday, the Hungarian Natural History Museum is conducting research on the specimens found for verification. Image and video material was previously published in Facebook groups.
Source: Krone
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