Vespa velutina(VESPVE)
Distribution details in New Zealand
Current pest situation evaluated by EPPO on the basis of information dated
2026: Transient
First recorded in: 2025
First recorded in: 2025
EPPO Reporting Service (2025/252) : reported in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas on Auckland’s North Shore in October and November 2025. Under official control.
* Rojas-Noss et al. (2026): under eradication.
* Rojas-Noss et al. (2026): under eradication.
* Biosecurity New Zealand (2025-11-18) Yellow-legged hornet sightings in Auckland in 2025. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/active-biosecurity-responses-to-pests-and-diseases/yellow-legged-hornet-sightings-in-auckland-in-2025
* 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