Invasive hornet species spreads in Poland. "We will find more nests"

The invasive yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is spreading in Poland, with nests discovered in Małopolska. Researchers found a large nest containing around a thousand workers and several queens. This species poses a significant threat to honeybees and has been expanding across Europe since its first sighting in France in 2004. The hornets build nests high in trees, making them difficult to spot until autumn. Female hornets that survive winter establish new nests, with each queen potentially leading to multiple new colonies. Understanding the origin of this species in Poland is crucial for assessing its ecological impact.