Help track spread of Asian hornet

France's Museum of Natural History is asking for help tracking the spread of the Asian hornet across country

FRANCE’S Museum of Natural History is asking for help tracking the spread of the Asian hornet across the country.

The insect is a voracious predator, and is especially dangerous to bees. Since 2012, it has been designated an “invasive alien species” in France, and a “health hazard”.

Since it first arrived in France 10 years ago, it has been seen in 62 departments, and spreads at a rate of 60km per year, experts say.

By 2009 it was thought there were several thousand nests in the Bordeaux area.

They are relatively easy to recognise. The thorax is a velvety black or dark brown with brown abdominal segments bordered with a fine yellow-orange band.

Only the fourth segment is almost entirely a yellowy orange. The legs are brown with yellow ends and the head is black with an orange yellow face

A number of people in France are reported to have died as a result of multiple stings.

If you spot an asian hornet, or a nest, do not approach it, but - at your earliest convenience - please complete an online report form here.