Help Needed To Identify Hornet Found By Local Schoolboy

Could it be an Asian Hornet which are regarded as a threat to honeybees?

A local schoolboy who spotted a large hornet at his school in Kew has sought help identifying the insect.

It looks similar to the Asian hornet, a predator which has had its first sighting in Gloucestershire last week, a species which Defra (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) has warned could have a serious impact on the UK's honeybee population.

Local resident Robert Reynolds, whose son spotted the hornet on the handlebar of a bike, has contacted Defra to see if it is indeed one of the hornets of the Vespa mandarinia species- see below.

Image of an Asian hornet

The image of the hornet spotted in Kew

Ecologists have warned of dire consequences for honeybees if the species is not eliminated. The hornets bite the heads off honeybees to kill them and have become widespread in central and southern France. There are fears that they could arrive to the UK via potted plants from France.

The Asian hornet was seen in the Tetbury area of Gloucestershire. Officials are now trying to use cameras and traps to locate nests and kill them with pesticides.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has set-up a three-mile surveillance zone near where the Asian Hornet was discovered. They hope to get rid of the hornets before they get a chance to settle or nest.

Nicola Spence, from Defra, said: "It is important to remember the Asian Hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, though we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies.

If anyone can identify the hornet spotted locally, please email editor@chiswickw4.com.

September 24, 2016