SCIENTISTS have sounded the alarm over an “extra threat” posed by giant Asian hornets invading Britain.
Experts have been battling to keep the frightening pests out of the country amid a growing number of sightings across Europe in recent years.
Bees aren’t the only critters Asian hornets devour…[/caption]
Asian hornets don’t tend to be aggressive unless they sense their own nest is threatened, in which case they can reportedly charge in a group – and their stings can be deadly.
They have distinctive yellow legs and an orange head.
There were 45 confirmed sightings of yellow-legged hornets in the UK last year.
A number of nests were found and later destroyed.
The menace is known for eating bees and can demolish their hives in a matter of hours.
But experts have found that it’s not only bees at threat.
A study into their eating habits found a whooping 1,400 different species in the guts of Asian hornets.
“Our study provides important additional evidence of the threat posed by Asian hornets as they spread across Europe,” explained Dr Peter Kennedy, from Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute.
Although the European honey bee was the most common species found in the hornets – appearing in all sampled nests and almost all larvae within those nests – it’s been revealed that their diet is a lot broader than previously believed.
Eaten prey included also included wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths and spiders.
Researchers from the University of Exeter tested Asian hornet samples from France, Spain, Jersey and the UK throughout the hornet’s active season.
“Asian hornets are known to prey on honey bees, but until now the full range of their diet hasn’t been tested,” said Siffreya Pedersen, lead author on the study.
“The diet varied strongly over the seasons and between regions, showing that they are highly flexible predators.”
Experts managed to identify 1,449 “operational taxonomic units” in the guts of hornet larvae.
More than half could be identified as specific species, but the rest could not – so the exact number of species found in the samples is not certain.
The research was published in the Science of the Total Environment journal.
The 5 best flowers to help bees to thrive
Nature experts at Faith In Nature have shared the 5 best flowers Brits can plant in their gardens to help bees thrive.
Rebecca Miller, Fabulous’ Associate Editor and keen gardener explains why “bees are brilliant”.
“They are vital. They pollinate our food and play a crucial role in our ecosystem. But climate change, the increasing use of pesticides and loss of habitat means bees are endangered. No matter how big your garden or outside space is, you can plant a flower or two to help bees.”
Lavender
Lavender can thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It’s fragrant and flowers all-summer-long meaning it’s a big hit with bees – especially bumble bees.
Sunflowers
This cheery flower giant are bee-magnets. And if you look closely at a sunflower head, the big ‘flowers’ are actually a cluster of small flowers, called an inflorescence which attract pollinators.
Ideally, grow sunflowers in groups to provide nectar and pollen for as many bees as possible. At the end of summer, collect the dried seeds from the sunflower heads to feed the birds or plant next year.
Heather
These abundant, bell-shaped blooms are brimming with nectar and pollen – which is good news for bees.
Cornflowers
A vivid blue wildflower, cornflowers are often planted alongside other meadow blooms, like ox-eye daisies and poppies.
They grow on tall stems and are packed with nectar, making them particularly attractive to bees. Cornflowers bloom for a long time and are simple to grow, so they’re perfect for first-time gardeners and experienced alike.
Crocuses (and snowdrops)
Later this summer, when you’re starting to plan for your Spring displays, consider crocuses and snowdrops.
They provide bees, such as the queen buff-tailed bumblebee and male hairy-footed flower bees, with vital early pollen as they emerge from their winter hibernation.
