The Asian Hornet in Ireland

The Yellow-Legged or Asian Hornet, Vespa velutina negrithorax, is an invasive predator of insects, particularly bees and wasps. They have spread across much of Europe and appear to have become established in the UK. They are a major problem for beekeepers in the areas where they have become established and have a seriously detrimental effect on the general insect populations there. Fortunately, they have not established themselves in Ireland yet, but it's likely that they will arrive here at some point.