KILLER insect embryos have been discovered in the UK for the first time this year, according to experts.
The ruthless species, also known as the , can spell disaster for pollinators such as honey bees.
Originating in south east , the invasive hornets made its way to as a stowaway and quickly became established.
The, contained one queen who was preparing to multiply, was found in Langley, on April 16 this year.
She was the seventh queen found this year on the mainland but the first to be discovered with a nest.
Last year, a , destroyed and taken to a laboratory – where scientists studied the contents to learn more about the insects.
can hibernate overwinter in the UK before emerging in the spring to lay eggs.
Spring is a crucial time for the Animal and Plant Agency’s National Bee Unit, who attempt to disrupt their breeding cycle before they can become a
A full nest can eat 11 kilos of bugs per season – an equivalent of 50 bees per hornet per day.
So far this year, queens have been found in Kent, East , Shropshire and , according to official data, with the first captured in Shropshire in January.
in the Channel Islands has also seen a significant number of queen sightings this year.
Members of the public can report sightings of the hornets, which are smaller than their European cousins and have , on the Asian Hornet Watch app and online.
Experts believe it is thanks to members of the public that they have been able to find and destroy queens sooner.
Kate Wilson, Head of the Animal & Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit, said: “Yellow-legged hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including our much-loved
“That’s why APHA’s National Bee Unit continues to take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by yellow-legged hornets, all as part of ongoing monitoring and surveillance work to protect our pollinators.
“Thanks to increasing reports to the Asian Hornet Watch app and online, it is not unexpected that sightings may occur earlier in the year.
“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue to report any potential sightings to us.”;
