The yellow-legged (or Asian) hornet poses a risk to honey bees and pollinating insects.
The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is also known as Asian hornet. It is not native to the UK and poses a risk to honey bees and pollinating insects. This is why we do not want this insect to spread in Wales.
In January 2026, a dead nest of the yellow-legged hornet was found near Wrexham. This is the first confirmed discovery of the insect in Wales.
You can help us stop this invasive insect from spreading
- learn what the yellow-legged hornet looks like. See Yellow-legged hornet (on nationalbeeunit.com)
- know the differences between yellow-legged hornets and similar native insects. Use the identification guide (on nonnativespecies.org)
- report any sightings and take a clear photograph if possible
Where you might see it
Yellow-legged hornets are active from February to November. You are most likely to see them from July onwards. They like:
- flowering plants (especially ivy in autumn, but not exclusively)
- beehives
- rotting fruit like fallen apples, pears, figs and plums, amongst others
How to report a sighting
Please report yellow-legged hornet sightings on:
- the Asian Hornet Watch App (free for Android and iPhone), or
- the online report form (on the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology website)
Remember to include a photograph and the location of the sighting with each report.
Yellow-legged hornets are not generally aggressive. But you should not approach or disturb a nest as they will become aggressive if they feel under threat. Medical advice about insect bites and stings is available on the NHS website.
You can find alert posters and identification guides (on nonnativespecies.org). Printed copies are available on request from the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat.
For more information, please see Yellow-Legged Hornet (on nationalbeeunit.com).
History of spread
The yellow-legged hornet comes from Asia and was first seen in France in 2005. Since then, it has spread to other European countries. These include Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
This insect was first reported in England in 2016. Action has been taken every year since to find and destroy nests. Wales and England have a joint contingency plan for yellow-legged hornet (on gov.uk). This sets out the steps to be taken in the event of an outbreak.
In January 2026, a dead nest of the yellow-legged hornet was found near Wrexham. This is the first confirmed discovery of the insect in Wales.
You can help us contain this invasive insect by recognising and reporting it.