Vespa velutina, Asian hornet
The Asian hornet is poorly named, since the vast majority of hornets (including our European hornet) originate from Asia. Scientists are more precise and refer to it as Vespa velutina nigrithorax. This Latin designation could be translated as “large wasp, covered with numerous short, silky hairs, with a black thorax”. It belongs to the hymenopteran insects (bearing 4 membranous wings that couple in flight via a series of small hamuli) Apocrita (with a narrow wasp waist). Its portrait is clearly less poetic...
Vespa velutina nigrithorax: biology, spread and management of the Asian hornet in Europe
Vespa velutina nigrithorax, commonly known as the Asian hornet, originates from East Asia and was accidentally introduced into France in 2004, likely through international trade. Genetic studies indicate that the European population derives from a single fertilised queen. Despite this genetic bottleneck, the species has spread rapidly—over 60 km per year—across much of Western Europe. Bioclimatic modelling suggests that many additional regions remain suitable for establishment. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The species has an annual life cycle. In early spring, a fertilised queen builds a small primary nest near the ground. After the emergence of the first workers, the colony expands and typically relocates to a large secondary nest high in tree canopies, often above ten metres. These nests can reach approximately 60 cm in diameter and host up to 2,000 workers simultaneously, with seasonal totals exceeding 13,000 individuals. In autumn, reproductive males and queens are produced. Workers and males die at the end of the season, while newly mated queens overwinter.
Ecologically, V. velutina is a versatile predator. It captures a wide range of insects, including flies, wasps and bees. In urban areas, honey bees may constitute up to two thirds of prey items brought back to the nest, whereas in more diverse environments the prey spectrum is broader. The hornet often hovers in front of hive entrances, intercepting returning foragers and removing the thorax as a protein source for larvae. Adult hornets feed primarily on sugary liquids. The Asian honey bee, Apis cerana, employs effective heat-balling defence, while Apis mellifera shows limited comparable adaptation.
The species is not considered highly aggressive toward humans unless its nest is threatened. Stings are painful but not inherently more dangerous than those of other social wasps; allergic individuals remain at risk of anaphylactic reactions.
Natural enemies in Europe appear to exert limited regulatory pressure. Documented parasites have minimal population impact, and initial expectations that inbreeding might constrain spread proved unfounded.
Management recommendations emphasise early detection and destruction of nests before mid-November, ideally at dusk. Broad spring trapping of founding queens is discouraged due to poor selectivity and naturally high mortality. Where apiaries experience intense predation, targeted trapping of workers from June onward may reduce pressure. Physical hive entrance barriers can also mitigate stress on colonies.
Overall, Vespa velutina represents a highly adaptable invasive species with significant implications for honey bees and other pollinators. Eradication is unlikely; monitoring, rapid nest removal and protective measures at apiaries remain the principal management strategies. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
See also:
- Practical Guide 2.7: Asian Hornet
- Asian Hornet: A Little Biology…
- Practical Guide 2.7.1: Instructions for the Meshed Entrance
- Practical Guide 2.7.2: Nest Location by Triangulation
- The Asian Hornet Arrives in Switzerland