Asian hornets have been sighted in their highest numbers yet in the UK, which could have a devastating impact on native bees, which they kill, dismember, and eat.
There have been 39 Asian hornets and nests seen in the country since the species was first observed in 2016, and this year there have been 16 sightings, data shows.
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This marks the biggest surge in sightings since 2022 when only two Asian hornets were sighted, and in 2021, which also had two.
The vast majority of sightings were in Kent, where there were 12, with some also seen in Dorset and one hornet captured in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Asian hornets have wreaked havoc in France, where they have a stronghold, and decimated bee populations. They sit outside bee hives and capture the bees as they come in and out. They cut up the smaller insects and feed the thoraxes to their offspring.
Asian hornets are smaller than native hornets and can be identified by their orange faces, yellow-tipped legs, and darker abdomen.
Source: theguardian
