Vespa velutina(VESPVE)
Distribution details in Japan
Current pest situation evaluated by EPPO on the basis of information dated
2026: Present, restricted distribution
First recorded in: 2012
First recorded in: 2012
First found in the northern part of Tsushima Island in 2013, it has been spreading on this island since then. V. velutina had been also spotted in several locations in Kyushu and the island of Ikri but was successfully eradicated there.
Rojas-Nossa et al. (2026): one nest in Hofu at the southwestern end of Honshu. All findings eradicated except the one in Tsushima.
Rojas-Nossa et al. (2026): one nest in Hofu at the southwestern end of Honshu. All findings eradicated except the one in Tsushima.
* Ikegami M, Tsujii K, Ishizuka A, Nakagawa N, Kishi S, Sakamoto Y, Sakamoto H, Goka K (2020) Environments, spatial structures, and species competitions: determining the impact of yellow-legged hornets, Vespa velutina, on native wasps and bees on Tsushima Island, Japan. Biological Invasions 22, 3131–3143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-020-02314-5
* Rojas-Nossa SV, Bartlett LJ, Kolics É, del Mar Leza M, Nave A, Pusceddu M, Rein C, Robla J, Rome Q, Seehausen ML, Senko D (2026) Worldwide distribution and invasion status of Vespa velutina (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), the yellow-legged hornet, in 2025. European Journal of Entomology 123, 217-232. doi: 10.14411/eje.2026.022
* Rojas-Nossa SV, Bartlett LJ, Kolics É, del Mar Leza M, Nave A, Pusceddu M, Rein C, Robla J, Rome Q, Seehausen ML, Senko D (2026) Worldwide distribution and invasion status of Vespa velutina (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), the yellow-legged hornet, in 2025. European Journal of Entomology 123, 217-232. doi: 10.14411/eje.2026.022