Wasp’s sister
A new Asian wasp has appeared in Europe, in Asturias, about 175 kilometers from Portugal. Although the stings are not as dangerous as those from European wasps, the threat lies in the environmental and economic impact.
Southern giant hornets (Wasp’s sister)native to Asia, were first sighted in Europe, very close to Portugal.
A study last week in Ecology and Evolution confirmed that it was this species, never before seen on the Old Continent.
Between 2022 and 2023, researchers from the University of Oviedo, in Spain, accidentally captured four of these wasps in wasp traps in El Campo, Granda, Siero, Asturias.
As the crow flies, this place is approximately 175km from the border with Portugal.
Typically found in hot Asian countries such as China, India and Thailand, a Wasp’s sister It is one of the largest wasps in the worldwith workers measuring up to 35 mm and queens reaching 46 mm.
As writes, this species is closely related to Vespa mandariniaor northern giant hornet, introduced to North America in 2019 but apparently eradicated.
Another Asian species, the yellow-legged wasp (Vespa velutina)had already spread across much of Europe – including in – causing significant damage to beekeeping.
If southern giant hornets become established in Europe, they could put pressure on local species such as Vespa crabroin addition to threatening European honey bees, such as Apis melliferawhich have no defenses against these types of predators.
Although their stings are not as dangerous to humans as those of European wasps, the threat lies in the environmental and economic impact.
Researchers believe that the species arrived in Spain as a stowaway in a shipment, but that it is not yet widespread. “It is likely that there are only a few colonies in the vicinity of the location where we found it”, the leader of the research tells New Scientist, Omar Sanchez Fernandez.
“Although beekeepers in the area told us they had seen strange wasps, it was a surprise to discover this species,” he confessed.
It is crucial to act quickly to prevent it from spreading, as happened with Vespa velutina: “If they are not eradicated in time, we believe they could spread across northern Spain and the European Atlantic coast, as has already happened with Vespa velutina” – arriving in Portugal.
Removing nests is the best strategy, but locating underground nests This is the central challenge at this moment. The team continues to search and monitor the presence of this species, to contain this potential invasion.
