Vespa velutina was accidentally introduced into South-West France in 2005 and entomologists are carefully watching its progress.
Introduction
This new hornet probably arrived with a consignment of imported pottery in November 2005 and, after surviving the winter has spread throughout much of Aquitaine. Its arrival was noticed almost immediately, and the spread to new areas is being well documented. Vespa velutina is no more dangerous for humans than the European hornet (Vespa crabro), but it is considered a problem for honeybees in Asia. (N.B. This is NOT the Asian Giant Hornet Vespa mandarinia.)
Competition
When two very similar species are found in the same area there is intense competition. Eventually one will replace the other. Both of these hornets are predators, especially of caterpillars, and they both like sugary fruits. The prune-growing region of ‘Lot-et-Garonne’ is an ideal habitat and entomologists are carefully studying the outcome of this clash between the European and Asian hornets. (If you have any relevant information you should contact Jean Haxaire: jean.haxaire@wanadoo.fr ).
Identification
This Asian Hornet is darker than the European, and almost ‘hairy’. The body of the European Hornet is basically ‘wasp-like’, a smooth yellow with touches of black and brown.
Honeybees
All hornets will attack other insect, but Vespa velutina is reported to attack hives of honeybees. They take up station and hover in front of the hive, capturing workers as they leave and feeding them to their young. In Asia they also enter the hives and cause serious disruption, but it is thought that the design of European beehives might give some protection in France.
Study Opportunity
This recently introduced species seems to have been noticed very early, and since it is a large insect which is easy to see and not difficult to identify, it provides a rare opportunity to study the dynamics of an ‘invasion’. Beekeepers are likely to notice any hornets hovering around their hives, and workers in the prune orchards will spot the nests. In this way the reported sightings of amateurs can be expected to give professional entomologists a very accurate picture of future changes.
It is unusual to find a situation like this - where members of the general public can actively participate in scientific research without much specialist knowledge. Most areas where amateurs can help require difficult identification (as in the case of the harlequin ladybird) or specialist collection techniques. With the hornets in France the situation is different. The additional fact that there is genuine concern about the effect this new hornet might have on honeybees makes this a very worthwhile project to consider. Anyone who holidays in South-West France and has a passing interest in insects should certainly keep an eye out for these hornets.
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