The Asian hornet, or Vespa velutina, is an invasive species in western Europe that is also known by the name “Asian predatory wasp.” It is a close relative to the Asian giant hornet, or murder hornet, that was first spotted in the U.S. in 2019. Both species have raised immediate concerns for honeybee populations. Now, […]
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The Asian hornet, or Vespa velutina, is an invasive species in western Europe that is also known by the name “Asian predatory wasp.” It is a close relative to the Asian giant hornet, or murder hornet, that was first spotted in the U.S. in 2019. Both species have raised immediate concerns for honeybee populations.
Now, scientists have confirmed that the invasive Vespa velutina species can wreak havoc on bees and other critters, as a new study has revealed the presence of more than 1,400 different species in the guts of larval Asian hornets, which depend on the adult hornets for food.
