After Malta reported the first sighting of the Red Dwarf Honey Bee (Apis florea) colony in Europe, a species native to Southeast Asia, Europe now faces another new invasive species just months later. The Southern Giant Hornet (Vespa soror) has recently been reported in northern Spain, marking its first appearance in Europe. This hornet poses a new and serious threat to Europe’s ecosystems and beekeeping sector.
The Southern Giant Hornet: A New Invasive Threat
The Southern Giant Hornet (Vespa soror) is a large, aggressive hornet species that is native to Southeast Asia. In its home range, this hornet is a significant predator of various invertebrates and small vertebrates, including butterflies, grasshoppers, geckos, and other wasps. It also targets honey bee colonies. These hornets have been observed attacking hives of the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana), and this aggressive behaviour is likely to extend to European honey bees. The hornets’ predatory nature and ability to destroy beehives could be devastating for local apiculture and agricultural pollination.
The Southern Giant Hornet has been observed forming large colonies in its native habitats. These colonies, especially in late summer and autumn, become highly defensive as they prepare for the emergence of new queens and males. The hornets can attack not only insects but also small animals, making them a risk to biodiversity. Given the challenges already posed by the invasive Vespa velutina (Asian hornet), the arrival of Vespa soror could further endanger European ecosystems and apiculture.
Invasive Species and Biosecurity Concerns
The Southern Giant Hornet’s introduction to Europe raises serious concerns about biosecurity. The hornet is likely to have arrived in Europe through accidental transport, possibly hidden in shipments from Asia, similar to the way other hornet species like V. velutina were introduced. As global trade increases, so does the risk of introducing new pests and diseases that can harm local ecosystems.
The discovery of Vespa soror in northern Spain is a warning that invasive species, particularly hornets, can spread rapidly across Europe if not effectively controlled. The spread of such species is not only an environmental concern but also a health one, as the hornets’ stings can cause significant pain and allergic reactions in humans. Additionally, the destruction of honeybee colonies by hornets can lead to a decline in pollination services, which are critical to agriculture.
The Life Cycle and Spread of the Southern Giant Hornet
The Southern Giant Hornet has a distinct life cycle. In its native regions, queens emerge from hibernation in spring, with workers appearing by early summer.
In Europe, however, the hornet’s life cycle is slightly different, with the first workers being spotted much earlier than expected, in late March. This shift in the hornet’s lifecycle suggests that the mild climate of northern Spain may have accelerated the hornet’s colonisation process. As autumn approaches, the hornets become more aggressive as they prepare for winter, which means the threat they pose may intensify in the coming months.
Nests of Vespa soror are often located underground, making them harder to detect and control. These nests can reach significant sizes and house thousands of hornets, which makes eradication efforts even more challenging. The underground nests may be particularly difficult to find, as hornets tend to build them in well-drained soils or tree roots.
The Need for Stronger Monitoring and Prevention
The presence of Vespa soror in Europe highlights the need for stronger biosecurity measures. Early detection is crucial to preventing the spread of invasive hornets and limiting their impact on local wildlife and agriculture. As European authorities work to manage the hornet’s spread in northern Spain, it is essential for neighbouring countries to remain vigilant.
To prevent future invasions of hornets like Vespa soror, it is important that the European Union and individual countries adopt stronger policies for monitoring and controlling the movement of goods, particularly those from regions where invasive species are known to originate. Effective surveillance and prompt responses to sightings are key to preventing new invasions from becoming established.
Protecting Europe’s Biodiversity and the Maltese Honey Bee
The arrival of the Southern Giant Hornet in Europe underscores the ongoing threats posed by invasive species to both the environment and human health. The rapid spread of Vespa soror is a reminder that vigilance is necessary to protect Europe’s biodiversity, agricultural industries, and public health. The arrival of the Southern Giant Hornet in Europe underscores the ongoing threats posed by invasive species to both the environment and human health. The rapid spread of Vespa soror is a reminder that vigilance is necessary to protect Europe’s biodiversity, agricultural industries, and public health. Malta benefits from being an island, whereas mainland European countries have less control, especially if a neighbouring country is lax on imports. Since countries on the mainland are interconnected, and without physical barriers, these pests can still spread to third countries. However, Malta is surrounded by the sea, and this natural physical barrier helps us control what enters our country. We just need the will from our authorities to act.
The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee emphasises the importance of preventing the importation of foreign bees. Importing foreign bees can inadvertently introduce pests and diseases, while also diluting the genetic purity of the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), our National Insect. The risk of extinction for this unique species is heightened by the introduction of foreign bees, which can compromise its genetic integrity. Therefore, the Foundation strongly advocates for a ban on the importation of foreign bees and calls for better surveillance to protect the endemic Maltese Honey Bee and prevent the spread of invasive species like Vespa soror. By safeguarding the genetic diversity of the Maltese Honey Bee, we can ensure the future of this vital subspecies and its role in Malta’s ecosystems.
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Reference
Sánchez, O., Castro, L., Fueyo, Á., Borrell, Y. J., & Arias, A. (2024). Early alarm on the first occurrence of the Southern Giant Hornet Vespa soror du Buysson, 1905 (Vespidae) in Europe. Ecology and Evolution, 14(11), e70502. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70502
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