Warning to be alert for Asian hornets

PEOPLE across Devon are being asked to be extra vigilant to the presence of Asian hornets and to report any suspected sightings.

Active from April to November and peaking in August/september, Asian hornets are an invasive species that can decimate beehives.

Gerry Stuart, chair of Devon Asian Hornet Action Team, said: “This incursion has far wider implications, many birds and other wildlife rely on these insects as their food source. We should not lose sight of our responsibility to protect our bees and other native pollinators from this threat.”

Last year the UK saw a rapid and worrying change in the number of reported sightings and confirmed incursions. Last year 72 Asian hornet nests were destroyed at 56 locations, with two nests being destroyed in Plymouth. These are similar to a wasp nest, about the size of a tennis ball, and normally in sheltered places like the inside of shed roofs, porches and garages.

Smaller than our native hornet, adult workers are about 25mm with queens larger at 30mm. Its abdomen is mostly black, except for the fourth abdominal segment which is a yellow band located towards the rear. It has characteristically yellow legs which accounts for why it is often called the yellow legged hornet and its face is orange with two brownish red compound eyes.

If one is spotted, take a picture or video if possible. Any dead specimens can be sent to the Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) or contact your local beekeeping association. There is also a free Asian Hornet Watch app for iphone and android that can be downloaded. For more information visit www. nationalbeeunit.com.

» Sightings can be reported by email to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.