Asian Hornet Week: identifying a dangerous invader

Asian hornets are relatively easy to identify if you have a chance to take a proper look at them. They are much darker than our native hornets and have yellow legs and a distinctive, single yellow segment on the abdomen. They are also slightly smaller than the European hornets.

On the other hand, European hornets are more rusty-brown, including the legs, and their abdomen is mainly yellow. They are slightly bigger than their dangerous cousins and most active at night, which sets them apart from wasps and Asian hornets. They are also far less aggressive than the other two species, rarely attacking unprovoked.

While the Asian hornet is a dangerous invader, European hornets tend to feed on all the most common garden and farmland pests, so their presence should be welcomed and not feared. While they might look intimidating, they pose little threat to people and should be left alone when found. They have been persecuted across Europe to such a degree, that they are now considered endangered and even threaten in some parts of Europe.

In fact, our native hornets can be of help with tackling down Asian hornets. While European hornets are not particularly aggressive, they can be defensive of their nests and will protect their food sources from competitors. Recent reports suggest that our native hornets can tackle down their invasive counterparts and kill them by biting their heads off.