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Asian hornet reportedly spotted in Saxony for the first time

Asian hornet reportedly spotted in Saxony for the first time
Asian hornet likely spotted in Saxony for the first time. (File photo) / Photo: Axel Heimken/dpa
From: DieSachsen News
Beekeepers and conservationists are sounding the alarm: The Asian hornet has reportedly been spotted in Saxony for the first time. It is driving native bees away from their hives. Experts in Leipzig are out searching for it.

The Asian hornet has apparently been spotted in Saxony for the first time. A spokesperson for the State Office for the Environment, Agriculture, and Geology confirmed the sighting tentatively after reviewing a photo from Leipzig, when asked. Experts are now on the ground searching for the insect and a possible nest.

“It was only a matter of time before the hornet made its first appearance in Saxony,” said Michael Hardt, chairman of the Saxon Beekeepers’ Association. In recent days, there have been several reports from beekeepers and conservationists. However, these have not yet been confirmed. The insect has already been found in neighboring federal states.

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Asian hornet hunts bees in front of their hive

The Asian hornet is smaller than its European relative, but more aggressive. It is also slightly darker in color. It is native to Southeast Asia but was likely introduced to Europe via imported goods. According to the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), it was first detected in Germany in 2014 near Karlsruhe.

According to the State Office, Asian hornets generally behave defensively. However, if their nest is threatened, they may display strong defensive behavior. Therefore, one should always maintain a distance of five meters from nests. For honeybee colonies, however, the hornet can become a problem, as it hunts the bees.

“The hornet lies in wait for native bees in front of their hive and eats them in mid-flight. But it also does not shy away from hunting directly inside the beehive,” explained Hardt. Damage caused by feeding is also a problem in viticulture and fruit growing.

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