The Asian hornet is now present in Hungary: should we start panicking?

The Hungarian Natural History Museum has confirmed that the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has reached Hungary after its expansion in Europe.

Portfolio wrote that the appearance of the species was expected in Hungary. The first specimens were captured by Tamás Márta, a beekeeper in Kimle. Two specimens were placed in the collection of the Hungarian Natural History Museum with the help of the Hungarian Beekeeping Association. Meanwhile, the domestic appearance of the species is in the process of being published in a scientific journal.

The Asian hornet

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) was brought to France in 2004. Ever since, the species has been expanding in Europe. It was getting closer to Hungary year by year, but now it has finally reached the country. For now, the species has been seen in two areas: Szigetköz and Győr-Moson-Sopron county. The Hungarian Natural History Museum wrote:

However, there is no reason to panic: this species is slightly smaller (2.5–3 cm) than the European hornet (Vespa crabro) and no more aggressive than our native companion wasp species. From a population and public health point of view, its presence in the native fauna will not make a substantial difference. Unfortunately, however, the Asian hornet has a predilection for hunting domestic bees, so rather than unnecessary fear and scaremongering, let’s keep our fingers crossed for domestic beekeepers so that the species’ appearance causes as little harm as possible to them and pollinating insects.

No danger to humans

It is very important to keep calm about the matter and educate ourselves about hornets. Some people like to spread fake news about dangerous insects. Both European hornets (Vespa crabro) and Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) are easily mistaken for Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia). Asian hornets and Asian giant hornets both originate from Asia, as their names suggest. Despite that, there is a significant size difference between the two species. Vespa mandarinia species are around 5–6 cm, while Vespa velutina are only 2.5–3 cm. Earlier this year, we wrote an article about the possibility of Asian giant hornets in Hungary which you can read HERE.