During routine inspections of traps for Vespa velutina (Asian, or yellow-legged hornet) in northern Spain, Vespa soror, the southern giant hornet, was found in 2022 and 2023. The southern giant hornet inhabits the warmer regions of Asia, including north-eastern India, northern Myanmar, northern Thailand, Laos, northern Vietnam, and southern China. The climate in northern Spain is similar to that of parts of southern Asia, the natural home of the southern giant hornet.
Three other species of invasive hornet have been introduced into Spain, on the European continent, during the last decade: Vespa orientalis (Oriental hornet), Vespa bicolor (black shield hornet), and the more serious, and now widespread across Europe and U.K., Vespa velutina. A fourth species, Vespa crabro (European hornet) is native to Europe, and was introduced to the United States and Canada from Europe as early as 1840.
Vespa mandarinia, a close relative of V. soror, was introduced in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state in 2019. After concentrated efforts, the species is believed to be eradicated from the United States as of December 2024.
The southern giant hornet is an aggressive predator which preys on invertebrates including butterflies, dragonflies, mantids, grasshoppers, and wasps, and even preys on small vertebrates like geckos. The hornet has been reported attacking in groups the hives of Apis cerana, resulting in destroyed colonies and causing considerable losses to the South Asian beekeeping industry. Like other hornets, its sting is very painful and may produce long-lasting effects.
The nest is usually located underground, with the entrance hole dug downward at an angle, often among roots of large trees. This is unusual for hornets, which usually nest above ground, and can be an added complication when searching for nests to destroy them.
Its presence, although still scarce, poses an additional threat to a beekeeping industry already weakened by the yellow-legged hornet. It may have arrived in Spain during hibernation as a stowaway from one of the countries where it is native, as has already happened with other hornet species, such as V. mandarinia into Canada or V. velutina into Europe.
Sanchez, O., et al. Early Alarm on the First Occurrence of the Southern Giant Hornet Vespa soror du Buysson, 1905 (Vespidae) in Europe. Ecol Evol, 2024 Nov 9;14(11):e70502. doi: 10.1002/ece3.70502
