Southern giant hornets invade Europe for the first time
- Four southern giant hornets were discovered in Spain, the first sighting in Europe.
- These hornets are aggressive predators, primarily threatening honeybees and potentially other wildlife.
- Researchers emphasize the importance of immediate action to prevent the establishment of these hornets in Europe.
In early 2022, beekeepers in northern Spain noticed unusual yellow-headed wasps, prompting a study by researchers from the University of Oviedo. The team, led by zoologist Omar Sánchez, set traps to capture the insects, suspecting they might be either a rare color variant of native species or invasive yellow-legged hornets. Their efforts led to the capture of four hornets in March 2022 and October 2023. Following DNA and physical feature analyses, the researchers identified the hornets as southern giant hornets (Vespa soror), a species native to tropical Asia that is known to be aggressive and a prominent predator of honeybees and other insects. This discovery raises alarms about the potential establishment of a new population in Europe. Historically, the introduction of such hornets poses serious threats to both wildlife and the beekeeping industry, as they are notorious for attacking honeybee hives. Sánchez emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue quickly to prevent the hornets from proliferating in Spain and threatening local ecosystems. The presence of these hornets in Spain is particularly concerning considering their painful sting and aggressive nature towards various animals. Without prompt action, the southern giant hornet may threaten the already vulnerable honeybee populations in Europe and cause significant problems for beekeepers.