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Firstly detected Asian hornets reported from the MV region

The Environmental Protection Agency expresses concern over the potential proliferation of the Asian Hornet. An authority has provided insights on whether this worry has materialized.

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First Reports of Asian Hornets Now Arrive on MV
First Reports of Asian Hornets Now Arrive on MV

Firstly detected Asian hornets reported from the MV region

In recent days, reports of possible Asian hornet sightings have been received from several regions in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, including Parchim, Schwerin, and Vorpommern. Despite not having reached the state yet, concerns about the arrival of the Asian hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithora, are growing.

The Asian hornet is a species of concern due to its potential impact on local ecosystems and bee populations. It was first sighted in Germany in 2014, mainly in the southern and western parts of the country.

Dr. Kathrin Lippert, the contact person for the Asian hornet at the State Office for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Geology (LUNG) based in Gรผstrow, has received multiple reports of possible sightings. She urges possible sightings to be reported to her via the LUNG reporting portal at www.lung.mv-regierung.de/fachinformationen/natur-und-landschaft/artendatenbank/meldeportal-arten or by email at [email protected].

Two unconfirmed sightings have been reported in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but no confirmed case has been reported so far. Dr. Lippert investigates each report and checks whether the discovered insect could be the Asian hornet, primarily relying on photos sent by informants.

The Asian hornet is smaller than its European counterpart and is dark black in colour with yellow feet. It prefers to build its nests high in the branches of trees from about ten meters.

Photos or videos of the discovered insects are important for Dr. Lippert in determining if they could be the Asian hornet. Visual material helps her greatly in determining the insects.

LUNG does not send out a pest controller until they are 100% sure of the identification of the insect. It is feared that the Asian hornet will appear in the new federal states at some point, and efforts are being made to prevent its spread.

Residents who believe they have seen the Asian hornet are encouraged to report their findings to Dr. Lippert. Together, we can help protect our local ecosystems and bee populations from the potential impacts of this invasive species.

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