Vespa velutina(VESPVE)
Distribution details in United Kingdom
Current pest situation evaluated by EPPO on the basis of information dated
2026: Transient
First recorded in: 2016
First recorded in: 2016
EPPO Reporting Service (2016/208) : first observed in September 2016 in the Tetbury area of Gloucestershire (Southwestern England). The nest was removed. In October 2016, 2 dead specimens were found in Somerset. As no further nests or live specimens were found, it is thought that the outbreak has been contained. Surveys will continue.
Also found during summer 2016 in Jersey and Alderney.
Found for the first time in Wales in January 2026. Official measures applied.
Also found during summer 2016 in Jersey and Alderney.
Found for the first time in Wales in January 2026. Official measures applied.
* 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.WALES Press release of 20-01-2026. First finding of yellow-legged hornet in Wales https://www.gov.wales/first-finding-yellow-legged-hornet-wales
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.WALES Press release of 20-01-2026. First finding of yellow-legged hornet in Wales https://www.gov.wales/first-finding-yellow-legged-hornet-wales