Report Yellow-legged (Asian) hornet sightings

Yellow-legged (Asian) hornets in the UK

Vespa velutina sitting on the edge of a bowl — Vespa velutina (Image: Freddy/Pixabay)

The Yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, also known as the Asian hornet, is a highly effective predator of insects including honeybees and other pollinators. Originating from Asia, it was unintentionally introduced to France in 2004 and has since spread rapidly across neighbouring countries.

The first yellow-legged hornet record in the UK was confirmed in September 2016. Thanks to monitoring and eradication efforts, yellow-legged hornets are not yet established here but, in total, more than 120 sightings have been confirmed to date (July 2024).

What should I do if I see a Yellow-legged (Asian) hornet?

It's important to report sightings as quickly as possible, ideally with photographs if safe to take, and location details, so that the record can be checked and any necessary action taken. Please do not disturb or provoke an active hornet's nest.

To aid in tracking and controlling the spread of the yellow-legged hornet, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, commissioned by Defra, developed the Asian Hornet Watch smartphone app for submitting records into the existing non-native species alert system. An online recording form is also available.

Download the Asian Hornet Watch app

The differences between a Yellow-legged hornet and European hornet

The Yellow-legged (Asian) hornet is often confused with other species, particularly native European hornets or other large flying insects that mimic wasps. The Asian Hornet Watch app contains information to help users identify different species.

In an article co-written by UKCEH's Stephanie Rorke with colleagues from the National Bee Unit, you can see some of these insects commonly confused with Asian hornets and what to look out for.

Side by side photo of Yellow-legged hornet (left) and European hornet (right) with annotations pointing out differences — Compare a yellow-legged hornet (left) to the native European hornet (right)

Should I be worried about Asian hornets?

Yellow-legged (Asian) hornets do not pose a greater health risk than other hornets or wasps. Additionally, they are distinct from Vespa mandarinia, the Asian or northern giant hornet.

The main concern in the UK is the potential establishment of the Yellow-legged hornet, which could negatively impact biodiversity, especially pollinating insects, and result in significant economic costs. The beekeeping community is especially worried about the threat to honeybee colonies.

Maps of UK showing current risk and future risk of Asian hornet spread along with confirmed sightings to 2022

Potential spread of Yellow-legged hornets

UKCEH scientists previously modelled the risk of spread of Yellow-legged (Asian) hornets in the UK without eradication efforts. See a larger image.