The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), which entered Europe in 2004, is expanding northward at a…

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), which entered Europe in 2004, is expanding northward at a rate of 60-80 km annually, posing a threat to honeybee colonies. This invasive species, originating from Southeast Asia, has spread from its initial introduction in Bordeaux, France, to large areas of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany. Scientists note that while the species naturally spreads at a rate of 60 to 80 kilometers per year, human activities such as transport and trade can accelerate this process significantly.