Help track spread of Asian hornet

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.