Asian  Hornet (Yellow-Legged Hornet) Watch 2025

Asian Hornet (Yellow-Legged Hornet) - Vespa velutina

What is it?

The Asian Hornet, now also called the Yellow-Legged Hornet, is a species of wasp native to Asia which was first seen in Europe in south-west France in 2004, thought to have been imported in a shipment of pottery from China. Since then Asian Hornets have spread and become established across most western European countries as far east as Germany and Italy, with a population also established in Jersey in the Channel Islands. Occasional sightings of Asian Hornets in Britain have been increasing each year and the first nests in Southampton were discovered in September 2024.  

Why is it a problem?

Asian Hornets are voracious predators of native European insects such as bees and hoverflies and will readily attack these, and they pose a serious threat to honeybee colonies. As such, any sightings of Asian Hornets anywhere in Britain should be reported. 

How can I identify an Asian Hornet?

The Asian Hornet is a large brownish wasp that is not quite as large as our native European Hornet. As shown in this poster, the distinctive features are it's size - which is reasonably large compared to most of our native wasps (only  our native European Hornet and Wood Wasp Sawfly are larger) - and colour, which is never as extensively bright yellow or orange as our similar-looking native species of wasps or hoverflies. The yellow feet of Asian Hornets is another useful clue, as all our similar-looking native species have dark feet. Further information on how to identify the Asian Hornet and information on its life cycle, is available here.

What should I do if I see an Asian Hornet, or if I'm not sure whether I've seen one?

Try to get photos, as clearly in focus as possible. Then upload the photos to the recording centre using a smartphone app or by email (see details on how to do this). Please make a clear note of the exact location where you saw the insect. The GPS information on a smartphone can be helpful for this (e.g. go to the smartphone "location" option and take a screenshot of the coordinates displayed, or a screenshot of any map available). If you don't have any GPS or map information try to take photos of the area and any landmarks so that you would be able to remember the location if you were to revisit it or describe it to someone else. 

What do Asian Hornet nests look like?

The nests of  different wasp and hornet species can be difficult to tell apart. This poster provides guidance on how to identify an Asian Hornet nest. In spring the primary Asian Hornet nests tend to be built in lower vegetation such as brambles and hedgerows whereas later in the summer and autumn secondary nests are found higher up, often in the crown of a tree. Binoculars are valuable, indeed often necessary, for identifying Asian Hornet nests from a safe distance. It is imporant not to approach any nests that are seen, as this is likely to aggravate the occupants and risks the observer being stung by more than one insect. Any suspected Asian Hornet nests seen should be reported, following these instructions.

Are Asian Hornets dangerous?

The main concern relating to Asian Hornets is the threat they pose to our native insects, honeybee colonies, and potentially to biodiversity, rather than being a direct danger to humans. Isolated stings are unpleasant but unlikely to cause problems for healthy people. However, as with any type of wasp, care should be taken to avoid getting close to nests since the effect of multiple stings could be more serious. And anyone who is allergic to insect stings should take their usual precautions to avoid coming into contact with any stinging insects. If you have any reason to look inside bushes or brambles, e.g. to retrieve a lost ball, frisbee or other object, it's important to check whether any hornet or wasp nests might be present. 

Further information

This article provides an overview of the impact of Asian Hornets in Europe

List of Asian Hornet sightings in the UK since 2016 (note this list does not yet include the very latest sightings)

Have you seen any other interesting or unusual insects?

If you spot any insects that you are unsure about or which you think might be interesting you are welcome to contact us with your photos and we will endeavour to identify them if the photos are sufficiently clear.