Introduction to Asian Hornets

Early in the year the Asian Hornet feeds on nectar (carbohydrates) but later on when it is raising it’s young it needs protein. It gets these from the wing muscles of insects especially of honey bees. A hive of bees represents a concentrated source of food so the hornet doesn’t have to go a lot of chasing. Unfortunately a large nearby nest of hornets can destroy a honey bee colony in hours!

Below is a news broadcast from BBC Look North in September 2020. In the video Chris Coulson shows an Asian Hornet.

Asian hornet as seen on BBC News – Look North

 

The GB Non-native Species Secretariat provide an advice leaflet advice about identifying Asian Hornets.