Asian hornet
Vespa velutina
Habitat
Nests usually high in trees and man-made structures.
Key ID features
Distinctive hornet, smaller (25mm) than our native species.
Dark velvety body, except for the 4th segment which is yellow. Bright yellow tips to legs.
Distribution
Only a handful of confirmed UK records to date. None in Wales, but recorded in Gloucestershire.
Impacts
A highly aggressive predator of native insects like the rare shrill carder bee, which is found on the Gwent Levels.
Do’s & Don’ts
DON’T disturb an active nest.
DANGER! This hornet stings. Seek advice from the GBNNSS Alert Species webpage.
More Information
For more information visit the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website.
ALERT SPECIES
Please report any suspected sightings with a photo using the free Asian Hornet Watch app for iOS or Android or the iRecord app and iRecord website.
Asian hornet (© Danel Solabarrieta)
Asian hornet (left) and European hornet (right). Abdomen of Asian hornet almost entirely dark except for the 4th segment.