In the US, Asian hornets – also called killer hornets – will be a thing of the past after five years. Authorities say the insect species, which was introduced from Asia and poses a threat to honeybees, has now been wiped out nationwide.
The invasive species, scientifically named Vespa mandarinia, was first spotted in the United States in August 2019. Three specimens were found on Vancouver Island at the time, after which the deadly hornets spread. Little by little, all known nests were destroyed. How the animals reached the United States remains unclear.
Animals up to 5.5 centimeters in size
The Asian giant hornets, the largest hornet species in the world, grow up to 5.5 centimeters in length. Allergy sufferers can die from the stings, and the insects also attack honeybees. It is of particular interest to beekeepers because it prefers to prey on social hymenoptera (bees, wasps, flies), spiders and grasshoppers to provide for its brood. The question of how much damage it can cause to bee colonies is assessed differently.
Asian hornet discovered in Austria
Another species of hornet, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), was introduced to France from Southeast Asia in 2044. Since then, the disease has spread inexorably throughout Europe. On April 9, a specimen of the species was spotted and captured for the first time in Austria, in the city of Salzburg. The current estimate, due to the time of year, was an isolated find, probably from a queen with no established nest.
AGES: Do not capture or kill animals
The Agency for Health and Food (AGES) recommends not capturing or killing the animals as they could be confused with native hornet species. Beekeepers view the Asian hornet as a danger because it prefers to hunt social hymenoptera (bees, wasps, flies), grasshoppers and spiders to provide for its brood. However, the question of how much damage it can cause to bee colonies is assessed differently.
Unlike the European hornet, the Asian hornet does not have a reddish-brown top of the head, but rather a black one. The black legs with yellow tips are also striking. The chest part is black, the belly is largely black, with an orange band.
Source: Krone
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