Image above: A queen yellow-legged hornet develops an embryo or primary nest (pictured). Worker hornets raised in the primary nest build a larger, secondary nest during the summer. Photo credit: John de Carteret – Jersey.

Your vigilance is more important than ever. A queen yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) was found earlier this month, in the early stages of nesting in Glenfield, Auckland - the first sighting of a queen in New Zealand.

The nest was swiftly removed by Biosecurity New Zealand on 17 October, thanks to a report from a local resident. This follows earlier detections of male hornets in Grafton and Albany.

With warmer weather on the horizon, the risk of new nests forming increases, making early detection critical to protect our crops and ecosystems.

The yellow-legged hornet is a highly adaptable predator that poses multiple threats:

• Attacks honeybee and wild bee populations.
• Feeds on ripe fruit and nectar.
• Competes with native insects and birds,
• Has a painful sting and potential to establish colonies.

Growers - especially in the Auckland region - are encouraged to be on the lookout and stay alert for hornets or nests. Please report sightings immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or make an online report here.

• Read more about the detection on the Biosecurity New Zealand website, including helpful images, here.
• Read the KVH fact sheet, including helpful images, here.
• Read more about offshore threats of specific concern to the kiwifruit industry here.

KVH is actively engaging with Biosecurity New Zealand on yellow-legged hornet activities and will continue to keep growers informed as the situation develops.

Let’s keep New Zealand hornet-free. Please share this update across your networks and help protect our industry and environment.