Murder Hornets Found in Europe for First Time
“Murder Hornets” Found in Europe for the First Time, Sparking Fears of Ecosystem Disruption
Scientists in Spain are racing to locate the nest of the invasive southern giant hornet, nicknamed the ”murder hornet” for its deadly attacks on bee colonies.
The discovery marks the first time this Asian hornet species, scientifically known as Vespa soror, has been found in Europe. Two pairs of the insects, which can grow up to 2 inches long, were spotted in the northern Spanish city of Siero in 2022 and 2023, according to a study published last month in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
“This species makes their nest under the ground — more than 30 meters — so it is not easy to find,” saeid omar Sanchez, lead author of the study and a zoology professor at the University of Oviedo in Spain. “We are trying.”
The hornets are believed to have arrived in Spain via cargo ship, a common entry point for invasive species.Their presence raises concerns about the potential impact on the local ecosystem, particularly for bee populations.
Southern giant hornets are known for their aggressive hunting tactics. They send out scouting teams to locate beehives, signaling others to join them in a “slaughter phase” that can decimate entire colonies within hours.
“Here in northern Spain, we have another species of Asian hornets that is causing serious damages to the beekeeping sector, so the presence of another Asian hornet can magnify the bad affects,” Sanchez said.
A decline in bee populations can have far-reaching consequences, affecting honey production and disrupting pollination processes crucial for many plants and crops.
A Race Against Time
Researchers are urging the public and beekeepers to report any sightings of the hornets, which are characterized by their large size and distinctive yellow and black markings.
molly Keck, an entomologist at Texas A&M University, emphasized the importance of early detection and mitigation efforts.
“Most of these invasive species are going to come in through a port city somewhere,” she said. “Whatever quarantines and check measures are done, there are really going to be the way that they’re spotted.”
Keck believes that strengthening quarantine and inspection procedures at ports worldwide is crucial to prevent the spread of invasive species like the southern giant hornet.
Sanchez and his team are persistent to find the hornet’s nest and eradicate it before the population can establish itself further.
“Problably in the near future, this species will be detected again in other localities of Spain and probably Europe,” Sanchez warned. “We need to act quickly.”
“Murder Hornets” Spotted in Europe for the First Time, Sparking Ecosystem Fears
NewsDirectERY3 Exclusive Interview
NewsDirectERY3 sat down wiht Zoology Professor Saeed Omar Sanchez, lead author of a new study revealing the presence of “murder hornets” in Europe, to discuss the potential ramifications of this invasive species.
NewsDirectERY3: Professor sanchez, your recent study documented the first discovered sighting of the southern giant hornet, Vespa soror, in Europe. Can you elaborate on the details of this finding?
Professor Sanchez: Two pairs of these hornets, which can grow up to 2 inches long, were spotted in Siero, Spain in both 2022 and 2023. This marks the first time this Asian species has been found in Europe.
NewsDirectERY3: This species is known for its devastating attacks on bee colonies. How worried are you about the impact these hornets could have on the local ecosystem?
Professor Sanchez: We are very concerned. These hornets launch aggressive attacks on beehives, decimating entire colonies within hours. This could have a disastrous effect on the beekeeping sector and disrupt crucial pollination processes. We already have another invasive Asian hornet species here in northern Spain causing meaningful damage, so the arrival of Vespa soror only magnifies the threat.
NewsDirectERY3: Your team is actively searching for the hornets’ nest. what makes this task so challenging?
Professor Sanchez: These hornets build their nests underground, often more than 30 meters deep. Locating them is proving to be quite difficult.
NewsDirectERY3: How critical is it to find the nest and eradicate the hornet population?
Professor Sanchez: It is crucial. We need to act quickly before the population becomes established. It’s highly likely that this species will be detected in other parts of Spain and eventually across Europe in the near future.
NewsDirectERY3: What can be done to prevent the spread of invasive species like the southern giant hornet?
Professor Sanchez: strengthening quarantine and inspection procedures at ports worldwide is essential to intercept these threats before they arrive. Public awareness and early reporting of any sightings are also vital.
NewsDirectERY3: What is your message to the public?
Professor Sanchez:
Please be vigilant and report any sightings of large yellow and black hornets to the authorities. Together,we can hopefully contain this threat and protect our precious ecosystems.
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