The Asian hornet, which has been introduced to Europe, is spreading in other federal states, but there is still no evidence of it in Saxony. Karin Bernhardt from the State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology said in response to a dpa inquiry that 41 reports had been received since spring. However, none of the cases involved one of the invasive insects.
Given the continuing spread in western German states, however, findings are also to be expected in Saxony. At the beginning of April, the state office sent a circular to beekeepers calling on them to report observations of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina).
The hornets prey on other insects to raise their larvae, explained Bernhardt. "Honey bees can account for up to two thirds of their diet, especially in urban areas." It is therefore to be expected that these hornets are most likely to be found at beehives if they settle in the state.
