Researchers in Spain are urgently searching for the nest of the first southern giant hornets—dubbed “murder hornets”—discovered in Europe. These aggressive insects, known for devastating beehives, were spotted in the northern city of Siero, Asturias province, in two separate incidents, sparking concern about their potential impact on the region’s ecosystem.

The southern giant hornet (Vespa soror), native to parts of Asia including India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam, grows up to two inches long and is closely related to the northern giant hornet, which gained notoriety in the United States in 2019. While northern giant hornets have shorter nesting periods and smaller colonies, both species exhibit similarly destructive behaviors.

First sightings and genetic confirmation

A study published last month in the journal Ecology and Evolution details the hornets’ spotting in March 2022 and October 2023. Scientists captured four hornets after local beekeepers reported seeing unusual wasps, and genetic testing confirmed their identity.

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“Here in northern Spain, we have another species of Asian hornets called Vespa velutina, and it’s causing serious damage to the beekeeping sector,” said Omar Sanchez, the study’s lead author and a zoology professor at the University of Oviedo. “The presence of another Asian hornet can magnify the bad effects.”

Ecological and agricultural risks

The southern giant hornet is a formidable predator, capable of wiping out entire beehives in hours. Research published in 2021 revealed their hunting tactics: scouting teams identify prey colonies, marking them with pheromones to summon reinforcements before entering a “slaughter phase.” Sanchez warned that their presence could significantly disrupt local ecosystems. The hornets prey on native hornets, bees, butterflies, moths, and flies, and a long-term decline in bee populations could affect honey production and crop pollination, jeopardizing agricultural stability.

The challenge of nest detection

Researchers believe the hornets’ nest has been active for at least a year and are working to locate and destroy it. However, the task is complicated by the hornets’ subterranean nesting habits, which can extend more than 30 meters underground. “It’s a little bit tricky because this species makes their nest under the ground,” Sanchez explained. “We are trying.” The team is also canvassing the region for additional sightings and urging public cooperation.

A global issue: Stopping the spread

Southern giant hornets have not been documented elsewhere in Europe beyond the sightings in Spain, but Sanchez expects more incursions. “Probably in the near future, this species will be detected again in other localities of Spain and probably Europe,” he said. Molly Keck, an entomologist at Texas A&M University, emphasized the importance of early detection and mitigation efforts. “Genetic studies are the first step toward management,” she said, highlighting the need to educate beekeepers, alert authorities, and implement monitoring strategies. Keck also stressed the role of stringent cargo inspections to prevent invasive species from entering port cities, often the initial entry points for such pests. “Whatever quarantines and check measures are done, they’re really going to be the way that they’re spotted,” she said.

Future precautions

The detection of southern giant hornets in Spain raises alarms about the global movement of invasive species. As researchers work to locate and neutralize the nest, the incident underscores the urgent need for international measures to prevent the spread of harmful insects through trade and transport. With the potential for this species to expand its range across Europe, the race is on to contain the threat before it causes widespread ecological and agricultural damage.