The National Biodiversity Data Centre has launched a new system for reporting Asian hornet sightings in Ireland.

The Asian hornet, which is an invasive species, is a highly effective predator of honeybees, wasps and other important pollinators, such as hoverflies.

The huge size of its colonies, which can consist of up to 10,000 individuals per season, means that they can rapidly decimate bee numbers.

Due to its aggressive nature and feeding habits, the Asian hornet - which also known as the yellow‑legged hornet - could have a serious impact on native insect biodiversity and on pollination more widely.

Asian hornet

Originally from Asia, the insect was accidentally introduced to France in 2004, where it spread rapidly into neighbouring countries.

There has been several confirmed sightings of the Asian hornet in Ireland, but the species is not considered to be established here.

Kate Moore, invasive species engagement officer at the National Biodiversity Data Centre said that in order to stop the spread of the Asian hornet in Ireland, it is important the public is aware of what the insect looks like.

Moore said that the Asian hornet can be identified by the following features:

Dark‑coloured antennae and a long, orange face;
A dark-brown or black thorax with no stripes;
An abdomen that is mostly black, with a distinctive yellow band on the fourth segment;
Legs that are yellow at the ends.

Moore noted that the insects may been seen around flowers, fruit and beehives, along with being attracted to roadkill and sources of protein.

They may also hover around sweet or alcoholic drinks.

Sightings

The National Biodiversity Data Centre's new Asian Hornet Report can be accessed through a web brower or by downloading the ArcGIS Survey123 app.

Moore advised that a photograph must accompany every reported sighting.

This is essential for verification purposes as several native insect species resemble the Asian hornet.

The new reporting system includes a dashboard that provides insights into the reported sightings that are submitted.

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is planning to update this periodically to provide a clear overview of all records received and the progress of each report.

Invasive species

Last month, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan announced a new approach to tackling invasive species in Ireland.

A new partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Biodiversity Data Centre will establish an Invasive Species Bureau.

The minister also published a new strategic approach for managing any future occurrence of the Asian hornet in Ireland.