Allien Species: Vespa Velutina Nigrithorax (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) – Proliferation and Methods for Its Control

Abstract

Vespa velutina nigrithorax has become an invasive species since its introduction in Europe, as it is a predator of native fruits and insects, mostly honeybees. In this chapter, the morphology of the Vespa velutina is described together with its life cycle and the morphology of the nest that this hornet builds. The proliferation of this invasive species in Europe and the economic, environmental and human health impact that it produces makes necessary the use of methods for its control. The methods for the inactivation of nest, trapping hornets and minimising the impact on apiaries are the established methods to fight against this species. Behavioural study of these hornets in captivity has been carried out to increase the knowledge on the ethology of Vespa velutina. For this purpose, two secondary nests and one embryonic nest were captured and kept under controlled environmental conditions for up to 13 weeks for the secondary nest and 6 weeks for the embryonic nest. Adaptation to captivity, defence against disturbance, colony evolution and hibernation were the different behaviours observed. The results of this research will allow us to obtain additional information on this species, which are crucial to develop effective control methods for this invasive species.