Invasive Asian hornet spotted in North Yorkshire

The invasive Asian hornet was recently spotted near Malton

An invasive Asian hornet has been spotted in North Yorkshire amid a "surge year" for the species, the British Beekeepers Association said.

The hornet was reported by a member of the public in Langton, near Malton, on Tuesday and was confirmed to be the species by experts on Wednesday.

Ian Campbell, social media manager for the association, said 86 nests had already been reported this year across the UK, with the vast majority in south-east England.

"A mild winter and early spring triggers a surge year, which happened in 2023, but it has been the same this year," he said.

Key features of the highly aggressive hornets, which are about 3cm (1in) and were first sighted in England in 2016, include an entirely black or brown body with distinctive yellow legs.

Asian hornets pose no greater threat to humans than native hornets, however their bigger threat is the impact on native insects.

The hornets feed on more than 1,000 species including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies and beetles.

Mr Campbell said the species entered France in 2004 and was now in 14 countries across Europe.

Numbers have stayed relatively low in the UK, but 72 nests were reported in 2023 and the number has been rising since.

He said: "The reason destroying the nests is so important is because at this time of year nests begin to produce queens – lots won't survive the winter - but if one of those nests produces 30 queens that's potentially 30 nests next year."

The hornet in Langton was found foraging on snowberry, according to the National Bee Unit.

"The best people to report hornets are the public," he added.

"They can be our eyes and ears."

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