Reports have emerged on Facebook groups for beekeepers about the first sightings of the Asian…

Reports have emerged on Facebook groups for beekeepers about the first sightings of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) in Poland, a species dangerous to honey bees. Currently, the General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ) has not confirmed the presence of this insect in the country.

The Asian hornet is an invasive species smaller than the European hornet but is notably aggressive towards honey bees and other insects. It is not more aggressive towards humans and will only attack in self-defense or to protect its nest. Visually, it differs from the native European hornet by having a darker body with black or dark brown thorax and yellow leg tips, whereas the European hornet has a more yellow abdomen.