A beekeeper in Savannah, Georgia, has reported the first sighting of an invasive yellow-legged hornet in the state, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). The hornet, also known as the Asian hornet, is a cousin of the giant Asian hornet or the “murder hornet” that has been detected in Washington state and Canada. The yellow-legged hornet poses a threat to honey production and native pollinators if it establishes a population in the U.S.
What is the yellow-legged hornet?
The yellow-legged hornet is a large insect that can grow up to 1.2 inches long. It has a black body with yellow markings on the head, thorax, and abdomen. It also has distinctive yellow legs, hence its name. The hornet is native to Southeast Asia, but it has invaded Europe and parts of the Middle East since the 2000s. It feeds on honeybees and other insects, as well as fruits and nectar. It can also attack humans and animals if provoked or disturbed.
How did it get to Savannah?
The GDA said that the beekeeper who found the hornet had recently received a shipment of bees from Italy, where the hornet is widespread. The GDA suspects that the hornet may have hitched a ride on the bees or their equipment. The GDA is working with the University of Georgia and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to confirm the origin of the hornet and to monitor its spread. The GDA said that this is the first detection of the yellow-legged hornet in “the open United States”, meaning that it was not intercepted at a port of entry or a quarantine facility.
Why is it a problem?
The yellow-legged hornet is considered an invasive species because it can harm the environment and the economy by disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. The hornet can prey on honeybees and other pollinators, reducing their numbers and affecting crop production. The hornet can also damage fruit trees by feeding on ripe fruits and causing them to rot. The hornet can also sting humans and animals, causing pain, swelling, and allergic reactions. In some cases, the sting can be fatal.
What can you do if you see one?
The GDA has issued a warning to beekeepers and the public to be on the lookout for the yellow-legged hornet and to report any sightings to them. The GDA has a form to complete if you believe you have spotted a yellow-legged hornet. You can also email yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov . The GDA asks that you include the following information with any submission:
- Name and contact information
- Location and date of the sighting
- If possible, a photograph of the hornet
- If not, a description of the size of the insect, the color of the head and body, and what it was doing
- Location and approximate height of the nest (if found)
- The direction the hornet(s) flew when flying away
The GDA advises people not to approach or disturb the hornets or their nests, as they can be aggressive and dangerous. The GDA also recommends wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent when outdoors.
“Georgians play an important role helping GDA identify unwanted, non-native pests, and I want to thank the beekeeper who reported his sighting to us, as well as our partners at the University of Georgia and USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service for working swiftly to confirm its identity,” Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said in a statement.
