The recent identification of Asian hornet queens that have survived the winter in England has triggered warnings from scientists about the looming threat these invasive insects pose to honeybees and, consequently, to British food supplies. This year marks the first evidence of such overwintering, building on a troubling trend where these hornets were reported in record numbers last year.

The yellow-legged hornet is notorious for harming indigenous pollinators, particularly honeybees, which are vital for maintaining food security and healthy ecosystems. Experts are urging the public to be cautious and report any encounters or sightings via an app designed for this purpose, especially as the sightings typically increase from September when hornet colonies rise. Since they were first spotted in the UK in 2016, the number of confirmed sightings has escalated, prompting a call to action from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

The hornets have predominantly been observed in southeastern England, covering areas like Kent, Sussex, and London, but there have also been stray sightings further north in places like Yorkshire and Northumberland. Ecologists point out that, apart from parts of Scotland, the climate across the UK is generally favorable for the yellow-legged hornet, enhancing its potential for spread. Without timely intervention to detect and eliminate these pests, there are fears that they could quickly become established within the region.

Moreover, the yellow-legged hornet is distinct from the European hornet, with differences in coloration and behavior. The attention on the invasive species has increased significantly, with Professor Helen Roy, who is affiliated with both UKCEH and the University of Exeter, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in monitoring and reporting these hornets. She noted that while not all reported sightings lead to confirmations, every detail provided by citizen scientists helps in managing the threat effectively, and there has been a notable improvement in the quality of photographic evidence being submitted.