Asian hornet
Description of Asian hornet
How do you recognize the Asian hornet?
The Asian hornet, scientifically known as Vespa velutina, is a species of wasp native to Asia, specifically Southeast Asia. Here is a scientific description of this species:
- Size: Adult Asian hornets are usually between 2.5 and 3 centimeters in length, although size can vary slightly.
- Colour: They mainly have a black body with orange-yellow abdominal segments. Their thorax is also black and hairy.
- Legs: The legs of the Asian hornet are yellow, hence the nickname "yellow-legged hornet."
Nest of Asian hornet
Nest building:
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Asian hornets build nests in the shape of spheres, usually high up, such as in trees or buildings.
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They make their nest from finely ground wood fibers, which they use to form a kind of papier-mâché.
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Each nest contains cells in which the larvae develop.
Power supply:
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Asian hornets are primarily predators and feed on other insects, especially bees and wasps.
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They are also attracted to sweet substances and may consume nectar, fruits and tree sap.
What does the Asian hornet eat?
The Asian hornet, also known as Vespa velutina, is a predatory insect that plays a crucial role in ecological balance, but also causes increasing concerns due to its impact on bee populations and the environment.
Understanding the diet of the Asian hornet
Diet of the Asian hornet
The Asian hornet is primarily a carnivore. Its main food source is other insects, especially bees. These feared predators prey on bees to feed on their meat and larvae. They are able to wipe out entire colonies in a short time, posing a major challenge to the survival of honey bees.
​In addition to bees, the Asian hornet also feeds on other insects such as wasps, flies and various types of butterflies. These insects provide the hornet with the proteins and nutrients it needs for its survival and reproduction.
Hunting methods
The Asian hornet is an agile and feared hunter. It uses different hunting methods to catch its prey. One of the most striking techniques is the direct attack on bee colonies. Hornets locate beehives by observing the movements of bees flying in and out. Once the hive is found, they launch a coordinated attack to enter and capture the bees.
In addition to attacking beehives, Asian hornets also hunt individually through forest areas looking for insects to catch.
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Impact on the ecosystem
The increase in the Asian hornet population has had a significant impact on the ecosystem, particularly on bee populations and other pollinating insects. Asian hornets' aggressive predation on bees has led to massive losses in beehives, affecting the pollination of plants and crops.
Scientists and beekeepers are actively working to find ways to control the spread of Asian hornets while at the same time trying to preserve bee populations.
Diet of the Asian hornet
An Asian hornet nest eats about 11 kg of insects per year, here are some figures:
Understanding the diet and hunting habits of the Asian hornet is essential
Understanding the diet and hunting habits of the Asian hornet is essential for developing strategies to conserve bees and protect the ecosystem. Collective efforts are needed to find sustainable solutions that maintain natural balance while minimizing the impact of these feared predators on pollinating insects.
The life cycle of a colony of Asian hornets
The life cycle of a colony of Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) follows a seasonal pattern. Here are the main steps in the life cycle of a colony of Asian hornets:
Spring :
Foundation of the colony:
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In the spring, young fertilized queens emerge from hibernation. They are looking for a suitable location to start a new colony.
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The queen builds a small starter nest and begins laying eggs. She takes on the first tasks of the colony, such as foraging for food.
Spring and summer:
Development of the colony:
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As the colony grows, the eggs hatch and larvae are born. Workers are born and take over the activities of the colony, such as building the nest and foraging for food.
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The colony grows rapidly in size in the spring and summer and can sometimes grow to several thousand individuals.
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Workers prey on other insects, especially bees, to feed the larvae.
Summer :
Maturity of the colony:
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At the height of summer the colony reaches its maximum size. The nests may be well developed, with multiple cells for larvae.
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At this time, the colony begins to produce males and new queens for future reproduction.
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It is the workers who create the secondary nest, in the shape of an elongated ball (like a drop of water) that can exceed a diameter of more than 40 cm and which evolves slowly throughout the season, from spring to autumn, until July and then it can grow from 2 to 6 cm in diameter per week! The final size can reach a diameter of 70 to 80 cm.
End of summer:
Reproduction:
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At the end of summer, the males and new queens emerge from the colony.
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Mated queens fledge to reproduce, while the males die shortly after reproduction.
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Mated queens look for a suitable place to hibernate during the winter season
Autumn :
Colony decline:
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With the loss of the queens and reproductive males, the colony begins to shrink.
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The remaining workers become more aggressive, as they are deprived of their reproductive role.
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The colony eventually dies in late fall, leaving behind the future queens that will hibernate until the following spring
Winter :
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Hibernation of queens until the following spring
source :vespa watch
The life cycle of a colony of Asian hornets
Asian hornet: an invasive species
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In many parts of the world, the Asian hornet is considered an invasive species due to its negative impact on the populations of honeybees and other pollinating insects.
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Their predation on bees can have serious consequences for beekeeping and local ecosystems.
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The Asian hornet has become a concern in Europe and other regions where it has spread due to its impact on biodiversity and beekeeping. Measures are being taken to control its distribution and populations.
The history of the invasion of the Asian hornets in Europe
The invasion of the Asian hornet in Europe is mainly due to the accidental introduction of this invasive species. The Asian hornet, Vespa velutina, is native to Asia, more specifically Southeast Asia, particularly China and northern India. It is also known as the "yellow-legged hornet" because of its striking yellow legs.
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The invasion of Europe began in the 2000s, when the Asian hornet was accidentally introduced to France, probably through the transport of goods. Since then, the species has spread rapidly to many European countries. The lack of natural enemies and the availability of prey, especially honeybees, have contributed to its spread.
Distribution of the Asian hornet in Europe in 2023
Distribution of Asian hornet in Belgium and the South of the Netherlands in 2023
Why should we prevent the Asian hornet from spreading?
The impact of the Asian hornet
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) can have significant impacts on its ecosystem and populationshoneybees in areas where he has settled. Here are some of the most important impacts of the Asian hornet on our ecosystem and bees:
Predation on bees:
and otherspollinating insects
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The Asian hornet is a formidable predatorbees. He catches bees in flight, kills them and takes them with him to feed his colony. This continued predation can cause significant losses in honey bee populations.
Stress on bee colonies:
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The presence of the Asian hornet near beehives puts constant pressure on the bees. Bees can become aggressive and spend less time collecting nectar, causing thehoney production of the baskets can be reduced.
Loss of biodiversity:
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The Asian hornet can also impact local biodiversity through the populations of other insects, includingpollinating insects, to decrease. This can cause disruptions in local ecosystems.
Stress on native species:
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In addition to bees, the Asian hornet also preys on other types of insects, which can disrupt the populations of other native insects.
Competition for food:
- Asian hornets are heavy consumers of nectar and fruit, which can put them in competition with other insect species, including bees, for food sources.
Effects on pollination:
- The decline in the populations ofhoneybees and otherspollinating insects can affect crop pollination, which can affect food production.
To deal with these effects, many areas affected by the presence of the Asian hornet are implementing control and control programs to attempt to control the population of these invasive insects. This may include finding and destroying Asian hornet nests, as well as other control methods to minimize their impact on bees and the local ecosystem.
FAQs about the Asian hornet:
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How to destroy an Asian hornet nest?
Do not try to destroy the nest of an Asian hornet yourself, call a professional equipped for this type of intervention.
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Can you abandon an Asian hornet nest?
Especially not, it is an invasive species that has no place in Europe, because they destroy our entire ecosystem.
Be careful in the fall: a nest may appear empty, but there may still be insects inside.
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How many Asian hornets in a nest?
A queen starts alone at the start. In the spring you will find very few individuals, but as the season progresses there are births and therefore more workers.
The capacity of a nest can vary from one to approximately 15,000 individuals or more.
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What is an Asian hornet nest made of?
The nest consists of fragments of wood bark mixed with their saliva, which produces papier-mâché.
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Do Asian hornets make honey?
No, Asian hornets do not produce honey unlike bees.
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Is an Asian hornet sting dangerous?
The sting of the Asian hornet is not dangerous, but very painful if the person is not allergic.
In an allergic person, the stings should not be taken lightly and emergency services should be called very quickly, as the sting in this case can be fatal.
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Why do Asian hornets sting or attack?
An Asian hornet stings to defend itself against a threat (its home), unlike bees, a hornet can sting multiple times.
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Do Asian hornets hibernate?
Yes, but only the future queens hibernate until spring.
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How do you recognize the Asian hornet?
TheAsian hornet has a darker appearance, is smaller than theEuropean hornet and orange. The tips of its legs are yellow.
The European hornet looks like a large wasp, with its yellow belly, with black stripes.
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Do Asian hornets come out when it rains?
Yes, Asian hornets come out even when it rains.
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How big is an Asian hornet?
Asian hornet Vespa velutina: Length: Female: 1.7 to 3 cm (adult, worker)
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Where are the Asian hornets in winter?
Workers and male Asian hornets end their life cycle in late fall. Only a few new queens will leave the abandoned nest for the winter.
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What should I do if I see an Asian hornet?
Give it upperception.nl, using the applicationObsIdentify. A research group searches for the nest to destroy it
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How Asian hornets reproduce?
In the fall, females and males breed to create next year's queens. A nest can produce 5 to 10 litters the following year.
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Is catching Asian hornets effective?
Trapping is effective in spring, for capturing queens, and in autumn to reduce pressure on hives. Make sure you make a very selective trap!
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What is the enemy of the Asian hornet?
Only the Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) can attack nests, but its action remains quite weak due to the rarity of the species and its migratory nature.
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How far does an Asian hornet travel from its nest?
From its nest the hornet has a range of approximately 2 km.
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How long does a hornet live?
Workers live 7 to 8 weeks, men 6 to 7 weeks. A queen has a life expectancy of one year, unlike the bee, where the queen can live up to five years.See page about bees
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Can we still eradicate the Asian hornet?
It is now widely distributed across Europe. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to eradicate it.