In a concerning development, the first confirmed nest of the invasive Asian hornet has been found in Wales, near the town of Wrexham. This predatory wasp, native to Southeast Asia, has been steadily spreading across Europe over the past two decades, posing a serious threat to local honeybee populations.
The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, was first spotted in the UK in 2016, and sightings have been reported regularly since, primarily in Kent and East Sussex. However, this is the first time the insect has been detected in Wales.
Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister of Wales, has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings to the authorities. “The National Bee Unit has years of experience tracking and locating yellow-legged hornets, so their expertise will be invaluable in helping us take action against the insect in Wales,” he said.
The Asian hornet is a voracious predator, capable of killing up to 50 bees per day and devastating local bee colonies. This poses a significant threat to the ecosystem, as bees are crucial pollinators. In France and Italy, where the hornet has already established a presence, it has caused significant damage to honeybee populations.
Recent research from the University of Exeter has shed light on the Asian hornet’s diverse diet. Genetic analysis of over 1,500 hornet larvae from nests in Jersey, France, Spain, and the UK revealed that they prey on a wide range of species, including flies, wasps, bees, butterflies, moths, and spiders. While honeybees were the most commonly found prey, the hornets have shown themselves to be opportunistic, feeding on any abundant creatures near their nests.
This discovery in Wales serves as a wake-up call for the region, as authorities and the public must now work together to monitor and control the spread of this invasive species. The Welsh Government has urged residents to familiarise themselves with the appearance of the Asian hornet and report any sightings, in order to prevent further damage to local bee populations and the broader ecosystem.
