Public asked to remain vigilant for Asian hornets

People have been urged to be vigilant and report sightings immediately

People have been urged to report any sightings of Asian hornets to the authorities "immediately" to minimise any threat to the Isle of Man's honeybee population.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) has called for people to "remain vigilant" and familiarise themselves with what the insects look like following sightings in Northern Ireland and England.

The invasive species preys on native insects like bees and other pollinators, damaging ecosystems.

Defa Minister Clare Barber said the recent sightings "highlight the risk of this species reaching the Isle of Man".

She added: "By reporting any sightings, residents play a vital role in protecting our native pollinators which are essential to our environment and agriculture."

The department said the insect had "distinctive features" including a dark thorax, yellow-tipped legs and an orange face.

The department said none had, so far, been confirmed on the island but the rising number of sightings in the UK meant monitoring at 10 sites had been carried out in conjunction with the Isle of Man Beekeepers' Federation since March.

Suspected sightings of the insects, along with a photograph where possible, should be reported to the ecosystem policy team immediately, it added.