Southern giant hornets, also known as “murder hornets,” have been detected in Europe for the first time, specifically in northern Spain. A study conducted by Spanish scientists confirmed the presence of two pairs of these hornets in the city of Siero in Asturias province. These insects are native to parts of Asia and are known for their destructive behavior towards beehives. Researchers are currently searching for the nest belonging to these hornets, which is believed to be at least a year old.
The southern giant hornets are similar in behavior and appearance to northern giant hornets, which were first spotted in the United States in late 2019. Both species are known to send out scouting teams to locate prey colonies, signaling others to join in the attack. The hornets have the ability to wipe out entire beehives in a matter of hours during their “slaughter phase.” The recent discovery of the hornets in Europe raises concerns about their impact on the local ecosystem, particularly on native hornets, bees, butterflies, moths, and flies.
Scientists are working to find and destroy the nest of the hornets to prevent further spread and damage. Genetic testing and analysis have confirmed the species, which is essential for implementing mitigation efforts and educating the public and local authorities. The detection of southern giant hornets in Spain suggests that more of them may be on the way to other parts of Europe, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and prevention measures in port cities. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that cargo remains free of invasive species like the southern giant hornets.
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