Asian Hornet

The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, was accidentally introduced into Europe from its native Asia in around 2004.  It is an invasive, non-native species and poses a threat to our natural population of honey bees and other species of insect pollinators. It is understood that Asian Hornets are able to to eat up to 50 honey bees per day.

If you think you have seen an Asian Hornet, you must try and take a clear photograph of it safely and report it to the Biological Records Centre:
Biological Records Centre UK

You can also find out more about the Asian Hornet here:
National Bee Unit

To see more up to date information around confirmed sightings in the UK in 2024, please visit:
2024 rolling update page.