Alarming spread of the Asian hornet in Hesse and Lower Saxony!

Alarming spread of the Asian hornet in Hesse and Lower Saxony!

A new chapter in the history of Germany's insect world has begun: The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has been officially recognized as established in Germany since March 2025. This invasive species has been spreading since 2014 and now has a firm grip on western federal states such as Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse. Data shows that the spread is currently concentrated primarily in Hesse and Lower Saxony, with a spread to the east.

Witnesses report the first sightings and nesting sites, and the challenges are growing. For this reason, NABU has launched a reporting campaign in which citizens can photograph hornets and their nests and report them online. The aim of this campaign is to collect data on the distribution of the Asian hornet and to develop protection concepts for the native European hornet. Mercury reports that Property owners have the opportunity to voluntarily remove nests, but have to bear the costs themselves.

The differences in detail

But how do you even recognize the Asian hornet? These insects should not be confused with native species. The Asian hornet has a black base color and a dark abdomen with an orange-yellow tip. Their legs are also distinctive: the upper half is black and the lower half is yellow. In contrast, the European hornet (Vespa crabro), which was originally native to Germany, has a brown-red base color with black markings on a yellow background and reddish-brown legs. NABU points out that The Asian hornet poses less of a threat to humans, but the ecological impact of its presence should not be underestimated. With hardly any natural enemies in Germany, the species can reproduce unhindered and threatens to disrupt the balance in the ecosystem.

The entomologist Dr. Manfred Verhaagh from the Karlsruhe Natural History Museum, who has been working intensively with the Asian hornet since 2014, warns of the dangers for beekeeping. Bee colonies are in direct competition with this invasive species, which can also have negative effects on plant pollination. ZDF points out that Damage in beekeeping has already been documented.

Prevent and report

The reporting campaign by NABU and NABU|naturgucker runs until December 2025, and hornet nests will also be visible in winter. People are encouraged to report their observations to provide researchers with valuable data. A simple reporting form allows you to upload photos and information about the observations. All information will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. Nests are about the size of a handball in the primary stage and can grow to the size of a basketball, with the hornets aggressively defending their nests.

The NABU|naturgucker Academy also provides free learning material about our hymenoptera for successful observers. At a time when invasive species are increasing and threatening our native biodiversity, every tip and every report remains of great importance. The responsibility lies in our hands - everyone can make their contribution.

Overall, the Asian hornet poses a serious threat to native fauna and flora. So let's be vigilant and support the reporting campaign to ensure the protection of our native species.