By Isle of Wight Observer
By the IW Asian Hornet team
The Isle of Wight is threatened by the imminent arrival of an invasive species of Asian hornet (Vespa Velutina Nigrithorax) which could affect all our lives and kill our pollinators and other beneficial insects.
The yellow-legged Asian hornet is a voracious apex predator (one with no natural predators of its own), which feeds on all European native pollinators and other insects. If this hornet is able to establish itself in the UK, it will have a serious effect on our eco system, affecting not only insects but birds and mammals through the food chain.
The Asian hornet poses a significant threat because the native flora, fauna and ecosystems have not evolved alongside it, and therefore do not have adequate defences against it. They are unlikely to be able to adapt fast enough to cope with the Asian hornet’s relentless and voracious predation.
The yellow-legged Asian hornet has made a dramatic entrance to the UK this year. In 2022 there were 13 nests destroyed throughout the UK. This year to date 70 nests, in 50 locations, have been found, mainly in Kent. However, three have been found and destroyed in the Southampton and New Forest areas.
The way to control the yellow-legged Asian hornet, on the Island and across the UK, is public awareness and correct identification of this non-native insect, and for all sightings to be reported so that action can be taken and nests tracked and then eradicated.
Each nest, depending on its size, can release between 150 and 500 queens in the autumn.
If you would like to become a volunteer as part of the Asian hornet monitoring programme, would like to host an Asian hornet awareness meeting or would like further information, please contact iow@asianhornetalert.org.uk.
