Yellow Legged Asian Hornet
There is an invasive species of hornet which is a particular threat to honeybees, but also to other bees and pollinators. The Yellow Legged Asian Hornet in now prolific in parts of Europe including France, Spain, Belgium and Portugal, but also causing devastation in Jersey and other Channel Islands.
They have now become quite widespread in SE England - mostly Kent - and are spreading across the country year by year. Nests were found and destroyed in Plymouth in 2024 and on the Devon border with Somerset in 2026.
We need to do all we can to slow down their spread, so, if you see one PLEASE photograph it if you possibly can and report it via the Asian Hornet Watch app (download via the app store links below). Alternatively, if you want advice before reporting, you can email our YLAH team at Tavistock by clicking here.
Not to be confused with a European Hornet or a wasp, the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet (far left) is smaller than our native European Hornet. They appear mostly black, but with a yellow band on the final segment. They also have yellow legs - but only half way up - almost like they've dipped their legs in yellow paint!
The National Bee Unit is overseeing the response to the YLAH. Their website has lots more information at https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/diseases-and-pests/asian-hornet/so-you-think-youve-seen-an-asian-hornet
You can report sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch app - iphone and android download links above. Or online at https://risc.brc.ac.uk/alert.php?species=asian_hornet but in all cases they need a photograph in order to take action.