Have you seen this insect?
Report to www.invasives.ie with a photo if possible. Do not approach nests as they will attack to defend their homes.
Indigenous to Southeast Asia, this insect is of serious concern. The arrival of one mated AH Queen to the port of Bordeaux, France, 2004 has resulted in this invasive species now in most of Europe, north Africa, England and the USA. The finding of three nests on the island of Ireland in 2025 is of concern to beekeepers on the island of Ireland.
Often referred to as the “Yellow legged” hornet due to its distinctive yellow legs/tarsi, when hovering/hawking, its splayed legs give the impression of a yellow “halo” as it hawks to capture its prey. It’s thorax is a velvety brown or black and it has a brown abdomen. Each of its abdominal segments has a narrow posterior yellow border, except for the fourth segment, which has a distinctive “mustard yellow” band. Its head is black with a mustard yellow face and strong mandibles.
See video & document explaining Spring Trapping of Asian Hornet Queens & how it is done without risk to other beneficial pollinators.
- Spring trapping for asian hornet queens
- Confirmed Asian Hornet Sightings in Cork and one confirmed sighting in Dublin. Beekeepers Urged to Act