Researchers think the southern giant hornets likely made a nest, but they are still looking for it.

Summary

Southern giant hornets (“murder hornets”) have been found in Europe for the first time, with sightings in northern Spain in 2022 and 2023.

Native to Asia, these invasive hornets threaten ecosystems by preying on bees and other pollinators, which can harm agriculture and biodiversity.

Researchers believe the hornets arrived via cargo ships and are searching for their underground nest to prevent further spread.

Experts warn the hornets could magnify existing damage caused by another invasive species, Vespa velutina, and suggest stricter port monitoring to prevent further invasions.

  • magnetosphere
    13•8 days ago

    …the insects grow to an average length of 2 inches.

    Residents of other parts of the world will laugh, but to me (an American) that’s pretty big for a flying, stinging insect.

    • @[email protected]English
      3•8 days ago

      That’s terrifyingly large. But, on the other hand the sting that hurt the most came from the smallest wasps I have ever seen.

      • @kopasz7English
        1•7 days ago

        The big ones also tend to bite. I got bit on the top of my head as a kid by an european hornet (that’s ‘only’ like 1 inch), and it hurt really badly.