Asian hornet's ID Card (Vespa velutina)

The different subspecies of Asian hornets

There are many subspecies of the Asian hornet Vespa velutina that share different distribution areas. They all originate from Asia, where areas with tropical or continental climates have favored its expansion.

In France and Europe, the black subspecies , Vespa velutina nigrithorax, is present. The climate of continental Asia, the region of origin of nigrithorax , is comparable to that of France. This explains the ease with which the Asian hornet colonizes these new territories.

• Vespa velutina ardens
• Vespa velutina auraria
• Vespa velutina celebensis
• Vespa velutina divergens
• Vespa velutina flavitarsus
• Vespa velutina floresiana
• Vespa velutina karnyi
• Vespa velutina mediozonalis
• Vespa velutina nigrithorax
• Vespa velutina sumbana
• Vespa velutina timorensis
• Vespa velutina variana

Arrival of the Asian hornet in Europe

Native to the temperate and subtropical forests of East Asia, the Asian hornet was accidentally introduced to Europe in the early 2000s.

The first official report dates back to 2004 , in the Loire-Atlantique region of France. Experts believe the insect was transported via wood, bamboo, or packages containing hidden nests. Since this initial establishment, the insect has spread rapidly across France , Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and several Eastern European countries.

Its expansion is favored by a mild climate, the abundant presence of domestic bees and the availability of numerous nesting sites.

How to recognize the Asian hornet Vespa velutina Nigrithorax ?

The Asian hornet nigrithorax is distinguished by several easily identifiable visual characteristics .

The body is glossy black with a slightly velvety appearance. The abdomen has an orange-red band across the upper third, often interrupted in the center, which clearly distinguishes it from the European hornet ( Vespa crabro ), which has a more robust body and is predominantly black and yellow. The wings are transparent, slightly tinged with brown at the edges.

The female typically measures between 25 and 30 mm in length, while the male is slightly smaller, around 20 to 25 mm. In the female, the stinger is fully functional, whereas the male possesses a vestigial stinger, incapable of piercing.
These differences in size, color and structure of the stinger make it possible to quickly distinguish the sex and species during a field observation.

Frequently Asked Questions