The Asian Hornet Threats, Biology & Expansion

About this book

The accidental introduction of the Asian hornet or more accurately the yellow-legged hornet into France and South Korea over ten years ago and its subsequent spread to neighbouring countries has been worrying both governments and beekeepers alike. Many people are now seeking more information on this new threat to honey bees. Hornet biology is very different to that of honey bees and this can lead to misunderstandings and false assumptions. So, The Asian Hornet is aimed at anyone wanting to learn more about hornets, why the Asian hornet possesses such a threat, and what you can do about it.

While the natural history of hornets makes their eradication impossible, it is important that all interested parties are well informed about their biology and potential impact. The Asian hornet will continue to expand its range into new countries irrespective of the measures taken, so education is the best way to lessen their impact.

The Asian Hornet aims to cover all the key aspects of the hornets' biology including the impact they have on both people and honey bees. The information presented is gained from various sources during the many years I studied hornets in Asia (mainly Japan), and more recently via the ever-expanding scientic literature on the spread and impact of the Asian hornet both in France and South Korea.

Contents

    Preface
        My first encounter with hornets
    1. General Introduction to Hornets & Yellow-Jackets
        Hornets & wasps, so what is the difference?
        Hornets and yellow-jackets of the world
        Hornets and yellow-jackets of Europe
    2. Hornet & Yellow-Jacket Invasions
        Accidental introductions of wasps and hornets around the world
        What traits helps wasps to invade
        The Asian hornet and its European cousins
        The Asian hornets’ arrival in France and subsequent spread
        The Asian hornets’ arrival in the UK
        Was the Asian hornet eradicated from the UK?
        The Asian hornets’ arrival in South Korea and subsequent spread
    3. Hornet Life Cycle
        Introduction
        Hibernation (Oct/Nov to April)
        Post-hibernation migrations
        The embryo nest (April/May-June), solitary period
        Protection of the embryo nest from ants
        Queen usurpation
        Cooperative period (June)
        The worker nest (June-August) or polyethnic period
        Colony relocation
        Reproductive phase (September-October)
        Mating
        Colony decline phase (October-November)
        Nest Thermoregulation
        Diet
    4. Hornet Preditors & Pests
        Predators of Hornets
        Internal parasites of Hornets
    5. Hornets as Pests, Food & Control Methods
        Introduction
        Hornets attacking Eastern honey bees
        Hornets attacking Western honey bees
        Hornets as stinging insects
        Hornets as pests of fruit crops
        Hornets as food for humans
        Hornet control methods
        Protecting your honey bee colonies
        The future
    MORE INFORMATION
        Further reading (books)
        Further reading (scientific papers)

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