Asian hornet
Profile
The Asian hornet, Vespa velutina (nigrithorax subspecies), was introduced to France from South-East Asia in 2004. Since then, it has been spreading unchecked across Europe. On 9 April 2024, it was sighted for the first time in Austria (in the city of Salzburg). On 20 June 2026, two nests of the Asian hornet were found for the first time in Vorarlberg.
Occurrence
Since it was first recorded in France in 2004, the Asian hornet has spread to many European countries. It has now also become widespread in Austria’s western neighbouring countries (Italy, Switzerland, Germany) and has been sighted in the Lake Constance region near the Austrian border since 2023. Also in 2023, a nest of the Asian hornet was observed near the Austrian border in Hungary and successfully destroyed. In recent years, further isolated nest sightings have been reported in Austria’s neighbouring countries (Czech Republic: 2023, 2024; Slovenia: 2024). It is considered possible that the species could spread throughout Europe as far as southern Scandinavia.
Situation in Austria
On 9 April 2024, a specimen was sighted and captured for the first time in Austria, in the city of Salzburg. This was an isolated finding, presumably a queen without an established nest. Extensive surveys revealed no further sightings in the vicinity of the discovery site. On 20 June 2026, two primary nests of the Asian hornet were found in Vorarlberg, within the municipal area of Lustenau. This marks the first discovery of a nest in Austria. These were two primary nests situated side by side; adult hornets and brood were found in one of the nests. The active nest was immediately removed and the hornets killed. The second primary nest was situated directly next to it; it was smaller and contained no hornets.
We ask beekeepers in Vorarlberg to be particularly vigilant. Reports of suspected sightings can be submitted via the Austria-wide platform and by email to velutina@viv.at. Please ensure you include a clear photo (with distinguishable colours) with your email and state the location of the sighting as well as a contact number.
Central Velutina reporting portal (Biene Österreich, Chambers of Agriculture)
In the other federal states, too, we are asking beekeepers to be particularly vigilant in the vicinity of their bee colonies during the summer and autumn months. Based on experience in other countries, we recommend the following procedure: during your regular apiary visits throughout the season, observe the flight of bees in front of the colonies for around 20 minutes – this should be sufficient to detect any presence of the Asian hornet. If you suspect a sighting, please document the situation (photo, video) and report your suspicion to the relevant authorities. The Federal Office for Food Safety (Import Control) and the nine provincial governments are responsible for invasive species (see the list of Austrian reporting centres in the downloads section).
Please do not catch or kill any animals, as they may be mistaken for native species and there is a risk of injury from stings.
You will find information material to help with identification in the downloads section.
Specialist information
Vespa velutina is of particular interest to beekeepers as it prefers to hunt social hymenoptera (bees, wasps, flies), spiders and grasshoppers to feed its brood. The question of how much damage it can cause to bee colonies is judged differently. Vespa velutina is diurnal and hunts its prey in flight. In front of the beehives, it lies in wait for the returning bees in hovering flight. High densities of Asian hornets can weaken colonies and even lead to colony losses. According to one estimate, in late autumn, when the strength of other insect populations declines, about 75 bees are preyed upon per day.
They are characterised by nests (40 to 60 cm in diameter with a side exit) in tall trees. The hornet colony consists of an average of 6,000 individuals, with only the queens overwintering.
The Asian hornet is just as harmless to healthy people as the native hornet, Vespa cabro (allergic reactions are possible). Both species behave peacefully and normally only attack humans when threatened. Their noisy flight is particularly unsettling.
Contact
Leitung
DI Hemma Köglberger
- hemma.koeglberger@ages.at
- +43 50 555 33127
-
Spargelfeldstraße 191
1220 Wien
Last updated: 23.06.2026
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