The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, has been spotted in Barendrecht this…

The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, has been spotted in Barendrecht this year. According to nature photographer Jo Polak, this species is notorious for preying on bees, consuming them within a minute and leaving only the thorax, which is rich in muscle tissue, to feed its larvae. Polak captured images of such an attack on a bee. The Asian hornet is an invasive wasp that poses a significant threat to bees and biodiversity. While they are not a major danger to humans, it is advisable to keep a safe distance from their nests, as they can become aggressive if approached within five meters. However, individual hornets on flowers are generally non-aggressive and ignore people. Identification features include a size of about 2.5 cm, a nearly black body, and striking bright yellow legs. It is important not to attempt to eliminate the Asian hornet yourself; instead, take a photo and report the nest at https://waarneming.nl/. Experts will then safely remove it.