Asian Hornet
Vespa Velutina
An invasive non-native hornet originally from Asia. Asian hornet is a highly aggressive predator of native insects and
poses a significant threat to honey bees and other pollinators. In 2004 it was accidentally introduced to France where it
has spread rapidly and into neighbouring countries. Since 2016 a number of sightings have been recorded in the UK.
Suspected sightings should be reported immediately using the details provided at the bottom of this poster.
Resources for information about Vespa velutina nigrithorax in the UK
For general information about the Asian hornet, Vespa velutina, please visit the NBU’s website. Here
you can find general information about the hornet, and view videos on the biology and genetics of
the hornets In the UK: https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/diseases-and-pests/asian-hornet/
For up-to-date information on hornets and nests found in the UK in 2023/24, please visit the NBU page:
https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/beekeeping-news/2023-asian-hornet-rolling-updates/
For more information about the biology of the previous nests discovered in the UK, please visit:
https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/diseases-and-pests/asian-hornet/historic-uk-asian-hornet-
incursions/
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For more information on identification, please refer to the NNSS identification sheet and the NBU
poster and postcard:
https://www.nonnativespecies.org/assets/Uploads/ID_Vespa_velutina_Asian_Hornet_5.0-1.pdf
https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/2_Diseases_and_Pests/Asian-
Hornet/03_Alert_poster_Vespa_velutina_A4_2.pdf
https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/2_Diseases_and_Pests/Asian-
Hornet/05_Asian_hornet_postcard_V4_2019.pdf
For information on the ways to report an Asian hornet sighting:
https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/diseases-and-pests/asian-hornet/so-you-think-youve-seen-an-
asian-hornet/
