First report of Vespa velutina in the United Kingdom
The presence of the Asian hornet, Vespa velutina (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), in England (United Kingdom) was confirmed in September 2016. The insect has been observed in the Tetbury area of Gloucestershire (Southwestern England). In October 2016, the National Bee Unit removed the nest and no further live Asian hornets were found in the Tetbury area. Two dead specimens were discovered in Somerset, but no nest or live hornets could be located. It is considered that the outbreak V. velutina in Southwestern England has been successfully contained. However, the situation will continue to be monitored. This is the first time that V. velutina is reported from England. It is believed that the species will not be able to survive in the north of the UK due to colder winters. In addition to this sighting in Southwestern England, V. velutina was also discovered for the first time in Jersey and Alderney during summer 2016.
Sources
INTERNET
GOV.UK. Press release of 2016-09-20. Asian hornet identified in Gloucestershire. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/asian-hornet-identified-in-gloucestershire
GOV.UK. Press release of 2016-11-04. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/asian-hornet-outbreak-contained-in-gloucestershire-and-somerset
GOV.JE. Press release of 2016-08-16. Asian hornet found in Jersey. http://www.gov.je/News/2016/Pages/AsianHornet.aspx
GOV.GG. Press release of 2016-07-22. Asian hornet identified in Alderney. https://www.gov.gg/article/155332/Asian-Hornet-identified-in-Alderney