Invasive Hornets That Feed on Honeybees Found in the United States for the First Time

An invasive hornet known for preying on honeybees and other pollinators has been found in the United States for the first time. 

According to a report from the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), the hornet was found earlier this month near Savannah, Georgia.  State officials say that leaving these bees uncontrolled could lead to devastating impacts on Georgia’s agricultural industry.

The Yellow-Legged Hornet, or Vespa velutina is more commonly known as the Murder Hornet and related to the Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia). It feeds on a variety of arthropods, but as an opportunistic feeder, they will also sometimes get their nutrients from decaying animals. Unfortunately, their favorite species to feed on is the honeybee. 

The GDA are advising residents who see a living Yellow-Legged Hornet to file a report through their online form, and if you are outside the state and see one, you should notify your local Department of Agriculture.

Though this is the first living specimen found in the United States, others have been found through countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. 

According to the New York Times, their nests can house around 6,000 worker hornets. Their nests are often egg-shaped and made of a papery material that hangs from trees. 

Source: https://outdoors.com/invasive-hornets-found-in-us/