An invasive species of giant hornet has been spotted in Europe for the first time, and scientists in Spain are searching for an underground nest belonging to the insect.
The Vespa soror, also known as the southern giant hornet, has been spotted in the city of Siero in the north of the country. It’s the species' first-ever sighting on the continent and has raised concerns about the balance of local ecosystems.
Are the hornets dangerous?
Labelled “murder hornets” due to their ability to kill off beehives, the species – which can grow up to around 1.3 inches long (33mm) – are known to prey on butterflies, honeybees, grasshoppers and even small reptiles like geckos.
If they come into contact with humans, their sting has been described as “very painful and long-lasting” by experts.
Speaking to Sky News, the lead author of the study into the hornet’s sightings in Spain said that it is likely the Vespa soror will be found elsewhere in Europe. Initially, the insects were spotted in the Siero region in March 2022 and October 2023.
Omar Sanchez, a zoology professor at the University of Oviedo, said that the presence of Asian hornets – another invasive species of the insect – has caused “serious damage to the beekeeping sector”, so the discovery of the southern giant species will “magnify the bad effects”.
Because the predatory species can unbalance local ecosystems, researchers are trying to find the hornets’ nest to destroy it. “It’s a little bit tricky because this species makes their nest under the ground – more than 30 metres – so it is not easy to find,” he said. “A long-term decline in the bee population can affect the availability of honey and disrupt pollination processes on which many plants and crops rely.”
Where are the hornets from and how did they arrive in Europe?
The hornets originally inhabit warm regions of Asia, including northern areas of India, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, and southern regions of China. It is believed that they arrived in Spain via a cargo ship.
Have they been spotted in the UK yet?
Currently, there have been no sightings of this particular species in the UK, however, the Asian hornet was first spotted in the UK in 2016.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds urges anyone who spots the species to report it to local authorities, due to the threat posed to honeybees. Asian hornets have dark abdomens with distinct bright yellow tips on their legs.
