The Asian hornet is an invasive non-native species originally from Asia. Often referred to as the yellow-legged hornet, it is a highly aggressive predator of native insects.
Asian hornet facts
Scientific name: Vespa velutina
Family: Vespidae
Diet: Insects, including pollinators and spiders
Size: 2.5-3cm
Lifespan: One year
About Asian hornets
Asian hornets pose a significant threat to native insects, pollinators, honey bees, and UK ecosystems. The UK’s native European hornet is now endangered, partly as a result of being mistaken for its more aggressive cousin.
Asian hornets are active mainly between March and November. They’re more inactive over the winter when the queen hibernates.
You might see them on flowering plants or around beehives and rotting fruit. The National Bee Unit have been monitoring Asian hornet sightings since they were first recorded in the UK in 2016. They aim to eradicate the invasive species while protecting our native European hornet.
Read about the work we're doing to eradicate invasive species from our waterways
Where do Asian hornets live?
Asian hornets produce two types of nests a year: a primary nest and a secondary nest.
Built by the queen, who hibernates alone, the primary nest houses the first workers, who create the secondary nest. Primary nests are:
Spherical with a small 5-10cm diameter entrance hole
Built in the spring in a sheltered spot, such as hedgerows, brambles, and buildings
All primary wasp and hornet nests look the same, so please only report when Asian hornets are seen. Watch for insects at a safe distance, as they can sting.
Secondary nests are built by the first workers and are:
Pear-shaped with an entrance hole halfway up the nest
Up to 60cm wide and 80cm tall
Found in trees, over buildings, or hedges
Why are Asian hornets a problem?
Asian hornets are predators of our native bees and wasps and can have a devastating impact on the local populations. They prey on important pollinators – such as honey bees and bumblebees – which can damage UK ecosystems.
How to identify an Asian hornet
What to do if you spot an Asian hornet?
Record the W3W location of any suspected Asian hornet sightings. Take a photo of the nest and hornet(s), if it’s safe to do so.
Note any important information that could help the National Bee Unit find it.
Most importantly, do not disturb or provoke an active hornet’s nest as they sting. All Asian hornet nests must be removed by the National Bee Unit, and any other insect nest posing a risk must be removed by contractors or beekeepers.
