Full Thread: Invasive Species
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Old July 23rd, 2014 #47
Englisc
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A species of aggressive hornet not native to the UK has reportedly been spotted in Scotland – or has it?

Workmen in Fife were shocked to discover what they say was an insect “two to three inches long” with a 6mm-long sting “the length of a needle.”

Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) are predators originally from China, which were introduced to the south of France within a delivery of pottery in late 2004.

The species has killed six people in France since its arrival, having caused an anaphylactic shock in its victims - its sting is slightly fouler solely due to its size, which is larger than a normal bee.

However, it is a much larger threat to the honey bee – causing significant losses to colonies.

It can grow up to 3cm and has a black/dark brown thorax.

Considering that Andrew Allan, 30, from East Kilbride, said he saw a hornet considerably larger than the one feared to be making its way towards the Channel, it’s more likely he saw its larger European counterpart - the “hornet” (Vespa crabro) or a Horntail.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...s-9621683.html