Native to Southeast Asia, invasive Asian Hornets are preying on Europe’s pollinators, killing hundreds of Europe’s insect species, researchers warn.

University of Exeter scientists analyzed over 1,500 larvae from nests in Jersey, France, Spain, and the UK, uncovering the hornets’ broad diet leading to the conclusion invasive Asian Hornets preying on Europe’s pollinators especially key crop pollinators—honeybees, buff-tailed bumblebees, and red-tailed bumblebees—are among the prey, raising alarms for agriculture and biodiversity.

Arriving in France 20 years ago via a pottery shipment from China, these yellow-legged hornets have since invaded much of Europe, with growing UK sightings.

A Growing Threat to Pollinators

Genetic “deep sequencing” of 1,500+ larvae revealed 1,449 prey items, with 55% identified as species like flies, wasps, bees, butterflies, moths, and spiders.

Of the 50 most common prey, 43 are flower-visiting pollinators, including Europe’s top three crop pollinators—honeybees, buff-tailed bumblebees, and red-tailed bumblebees.

Found in all nests, honeybees are a prime target; a single hornet can kill up to 50 bees daily, decimating colonies in France and Italy.

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Rapid Spread Across Europe

Native to Southeast Asia, the Asian hornet entered France around 2004 in a cargo from China, rapidly spreading across the continent. First recorded in the UK in 2016, 44 confirmed sightings occurred in 2024, mostly in Kent and East Sussex, signaling potential establishment.

The hornets adapt their diet by season and region, targeting abundant local species, as evidenced by the diverse prey across study sites.

Implications for Agriculture and Ecosystems

Predation on key pollinators threatens crop yields, adding to stresses from farming, land-use shifts, and chemical pollution. Researchers flag an “extra threat” to declining native insects, with the hornets’ flexible diet worsening ecological damage.

Lead author Siffreya Pedersen highlights dietary flexibility, urging enhanced monitoring and control to safeguard ecosystems.

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