First Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Nest Found On Isle Of Wight

The first nest of a Yellow-legged Asian hornet ever found on the Isle of Wight has been located after an Islander reported seeing a single hornet.

The insect was photographed by a member of the public and reported using the Asian Hornet Watch app, triggering an investigation by the National Bee Unit.

Specialists from the National Bee Unit, supported by members of the Isle of Wight Asian Hornet Team, began a coordinated tracking operation.

Bait stations were set up to attract foraging hornets, with the activity then monitored.

Once the hornets' movements had been established, radio trackers were attached to individual insects so their journeys back towards the nest could be followed.

The painstaking operation eventually led the team to a nest high in an oak tree on Monday (7 September).

The nest will now be destroyed by the National Bee Unit and analysed to establish more about the colony, including how developed it was and whether it had started producing new queens.

The Isle of Wight Asian Hornet Team says the discovery highlights the importance of Islanders reporting suspected sightings.

It thanked the National Bee Unit and everyone involved in the search, with particular praise for the Islander whose photograph and report provided the starting point for the investigation.

The team says the nest appears to have gone undetected for much of the summer, highlighting how easily a Yellow-legged Asian hornet colony can grow without being noticed.

If a colony reaches the reproductive stage, it can produce new queens which, after mating and surviving the winter, could establish nests the following spring.

Yellow-legged Asian hornets are predators of insects including honey bees and other pollinators.

The team warns that if the species became established on the Isle of Wight, it could pose a significant threat to the Island's beekeeping community and wider biodiversity.

Islanders are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings.

If you see an insect you think could be a Yellow-legged Asian hornet, take a photograph if possible and report it through the Asian Hornet Watch app.

The team says even a poor-quality or blurry photograph could provide enough evidence for a sighting to be investigated.

People who want to help with awareness and monitoring work on the Island can contact iow@asianhornetalert.org.uk.

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