Two pairs of southern giant hornets, also known as “murder hornets,” have been found in northern Spain for the first time. Scientists are now searching for the hornets’ nest. These insects are known for killing off beehives and grow to an average length of 2 inches. The hornets are native to parts of Asia like India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Researchers in Spain are rushing to find the nest for the first southern giant hornets found in Europe, which were spotted in Asturias province.
A study published in the journal Ecology and Evolution describes the two separate sightings of the southern giant hornets in the northern city of Siero. The researchers believe the hornets have a nest that dates back at least a year. These hornets are similar in behavior and appearance to the northern giant hornets that were first spotted in the United States in Washington state in late 2019.
The scientists behind the recent study believe that the southern giant hornets likely arrived in Spain on a cargo ship. They anticipate that the hornets will impact the local ecosystem by aggressively hunting native hornets, bees, butterflies, moths, and flies. Researchers are currently trying to locate the underground nest, which is more than 30 meters deep. Efforts are also underway to educate the public, beekeepers, and local authorities about the presence of these invasive species. It is crucial to strengthen quarantine and check measures to prevent the spreading of these harmful insects and to protect the local ecosystem and bee population.
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