For the first time, an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has been detected in Halle-Dölau

For the first time, an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has been detected in Halle-Dölau. The Beekeepers Association Halle (Saale) and surroundings from 1863 considers this invasive species a serious threat to local beekeeping and the ecosystem. Originating from Southeast Asia, it can spread freely in Europe due to lack of natural predators.

The Asian hornet hunts mainly near beehives, catching returning honey bees in flight. When present in large numbers, bee colonies stop foraging, weaken, and eventually die. Besides honey bees, wild bees, hoverflies, wasps, and butterflies are also preyed upon, endangering key pollinators and causing financial losses for beekeepers.