Public asked to track yellow-legged hornet sightings

Invasive species poses threat to native insects and could impact B.C.'s multi-billion-dollar agriculture industry

The yellow-legged hornet is an invasive species that has been found in several areas of British Columbia. The public is being asked to help track sightings of the hornet, which poses a threat to native insects and could impact B.C.'s multi-billion-dollar agriculture industry.

The yellow-legged hornet is a large, predatory insect that feeds on a variety of other insects, including bees and wasps. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America.

The hornet was first found in British Columbia in 2019, and has since been found in several other areas of the province, including Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and the Fraser Valley.

The yellow-legged hornet is a threat to native insects because it can outcompete them for food and nesting sites. It can also spread parasites and diseases to native insects.

The hornet could also have a significant impact on B.C.'s agriculture industry. The province's agriculture industry is worth over $13 billion a year, and many crops rely on pollinators, such as bees, to produce fruit and vegetables.

The yellow-legged hornet is a threat to pollinators, and if it becomes established in B.C., it could have a devastating impact on the province's agriculture industry.

The public is being asked to help track sightings of the yellow-legged hornet. If you see a yellow-legged hornet, you can report it to the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia.

Here are some tips for identifying the yellow-legged hornet:

• It is about 2.5 cm long.
• It has a black and yellow body.
• It has long, thin legs.
• It has a distinctive yellow mark on its face.

If you see a yellow-legged hornet, please report it to the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia.

What to do if you see a yellow-legged hornet

1. Do not attempt to kill the hornet yourself.
2. Take a photo of the hornet, if possible.
3. Note the location and date of the sighting.
4. Report the sighting to the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia.

Conclusion

The yellow-legged hornet is a serious threat to native insects and could have a significant impact on B.C.'s agriculture industry. The public is being asked to help track sightings of the hornet so that it can be eradicated before it becomes established in the province.