Asian Hornet Information Hub
Image courtesy the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), © Crown copyright. Reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is invasive in Europe and harms pollinators. This site helps you distinguish it from native species and shows how to report responsibly.
Quick ID: Spot the Asian hornet
- Dark body with a single orange band near the abdomen tip
- Yellow legs that look like “socks”
- Nests are large, often high in trees or structures
Asian hornet in Europe
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), also called the yellow-legged hornet, was first found in France in 2004 and has spread rapidly across the country at 60–80 km per year. It is now moving into the UK, with sightings and nests rising every year. This invasive predator attacks honey bees and other pollinators, threatening biodiversity, food crops and beekeeping. Early identification and accurate reporting are vital to slowing its spread.