A dead nest of the invasive yellow-legged hornet — also known as the Asian hornet — has been discovered near Wrexham, marking the first confirmed record of the species in Wales and prompting Welsh Government officials to call for heightened public awareness and reporting of any future sightings.

The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), which originates from South East Asia, was first detected in France in 2004 and has since spread across much of western Europe, including Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.

In the UK, the species was first seen in England in 2016, and annual efforts to track and destroy nests have helped prevent it from becoming established — until now.

Although the nest found near Wrexham was no longer active, its presence has renewed concerns about the potential for the species to establish itself in Wales.

Scientists and wildlife specialists describe the yellow-legged hornet as a significant predator of pollinating insects, particularly honey bees, which are crucial to ecosystems and agricultural production.

The hornet’s spread has been noted in southern parts of England in recent years, with regular sightings and nest detections recorded — including 44 confirmed sightings in 2024, mainly in Kent and East Sussex — although rapid response efforts have usually destroyed nests before they could fully develop.

Under the Asian Hornet Contingency Plan, the Welsh Government has asked the National Bee Unit — part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency — to take the lead in response efforts. The plan outlines how authorities will locate, track and eliminate nests to stop the species from becoming established in Great Britain.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who has responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said the expertise of the National Bee Unit will be invaluable in mapping and responding to potential incursions. He thanked local beekeepers and members of the public who have been alert to sightings across Wales.

“We need everyone to become familiar with what yellow-legged hornets look like,” he said, urging vigilance as the weather warms in spring and summer, when the insects are most active.

Yellow-legged hornets are darker and smaller than some native species and have yellow legs and a darker abdomen — key features that help distinguish them from native hornets and wasps.

Although queens hibernate in winter, the species is typically active from February to November, with sightings most likely from July onwards.

 ï¿¼hey are not normally aggressive toward people but will defend a nest if disturbed, and they pose a clear threat to pollinating insects like honey bees that are vital to local ecosystems.

The public is asked to help protect Wales’s wildlife by reporting any suspected sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch mobile app or an online report form, ideally including a photograph and location details.

Authorities emphasise that early reporting is crucial to rapid response efforts aimed at preventing the hornet from spreading further into Wales and beyond.

For more information and identification guides, members of the public are encouraged to consult the National Bee Unit’s resources and official government guidance.

Did you know? The yellow-legged hornet has dramatically spread since its arrival in Europe in 2004, and in some countries has caused concern for its impact on bee populations — one hornet can prey on dozens of bees a day, with potentially serious implications for pollination services.