The sighting of a new predatory hornet, scientifically named Vespa velutina, in Georgia has raised alarm bells among bee experts. This invasive species, known to prey on honey bees and their larvae, has already caused significant damage to bee populations in Europe. The first United States sighting of this hornet occurred last week in Savannah, Georgia, after a backyard beekeeper spotted two of them.
To prevent the spread of this destructive hornet throughout the South, UF/IFAS experts are collaborating with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. They are determined to raise awareness among residents about what they can do if they encounter or capture one of these hornets.
Photos:
Yellow legged hornet: Various views of Vespa velutina. Credit: Georgia Department of Agriculture
Yellow legged hornet: Vespa velutina feeding on nectar. Credit: Karine Monceau, from Monceau et al. 2014
Yellow legged hornet: An invasive yellow-legged hornet. Credit: Allan Smith-Pardo, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
Yellow legged hornet: An invasive yellow-legged hornet. Credit: Allan Smith-Pardo, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
Meredith Bauer
University of Florida
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)
352-294-3303
