Yellow-Legged (Asian) Hornets

How to Identify a Yellow-Legged Hornet

A Growing Threat to Honey Bees and Pollinators

The yellow-legged hornet, also known as the Asian hornet, is an invasive non-native species and a growing threat to honey bees and other pollinators.

First detected in the UK in 2016, confirmed sightings and nests have increased significantly in recent years. Unlike our native European hornet, yellow-legged hornets are efficient predators of insects, including honey bees.

  • A single yellow-legged hornet can eat 30–50 honey bees each day.
The threat to a bee colony is not just the number of bees caught. Hornets hunting outside a hive can cause stress and disrupt normal foraging, making it harder for bees to collect the food they need.

What Should You Do If You See One?

If you think you have spotted a yellow-legged hornet:

Do not approach or disturb it.

Take a photograph

if it is safe to do so.

Make a note of the location.

Report the sighting

Through the official reporting system.

Early reporting is vital and can help authorities locate and deal with nests before they have the opportunity to spread.