Beekeepers are being told to be on guard for the aggressive Asian hornet, which has already caused havoc in France.

Vespa velutina nigrithorax, which grows to 3cm, can destroy a bee colony in two hours. Officials have warned that the devastation could cost £440m per year.

This predatory hornet continues to extend its range and UK beekeepers are urged to be on the lookout for it as its arrival in the UK is only a matter of time.

Beekeepers are recommended to log onto the website of the Nonnative species Secretariat, www.nonnativespecies.org and click on Species alerts! for Vespa velutina, which takes you to a page full of information on the Asian hornet. The risk assessment is also worth reading. Anyone who suspects they have seen an Asian hornet is advised to report it immediately.

Follow the external link below to read an article about the hornet which appeared in the Independent on Sunday 22nd April.