A new invasive species, the yellow-legged hornet, has appeared in Savannah, alarming beekeepers and experts. This species, notorious for devastating European bees, is now in the U.S., detected for the first time.
At Savannah Bee Company, Felicia Renick observed these hornets attacking their bees, snatching them mid-flight.
These hornets pose a significant threat to bees due to their biology. They target social insects, particularly bees, and can quickly destroy colonies, jeopardizing pollination and agriculture.
Ben Powell of Clemson University’s pollinator program notes U.S. bees lack defenses against these predators.
Yellow-legged hornets are clever predators, rallying others to attack hives, potentially wiping out colonies. Pollinators, especially honeybees, are crucial for agriculture, pollinating about 75% of cultivated plants.
Originating in Asia, these hornets likely arrived via imported goods, highlighting global commerce’s unintended ecological effects.
Georgia is taking action to eradicate these hornets, mirroring efforts in Washington State against the “murder hornet.” Swift intervention is vital to protect bees and agriculture.
The race to eliminate these hornets is critical for safeguarding honeybee populations and our agricultural system
