{"id":28005,"date":"2026-07-30T10:05:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T08:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/non-classifiee\/comment-reconnaitre-un-frelon-asiatique-et-son-nid\/"},"modified":"2026-07-30T17:22:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T15:22:14","slug":"how-to-recognise-an-asian-hornet-and-its-nest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/en\/our-advice\/how-to-recognise-an-asian-hornet-and-its-nest\/","title":{"rendered":"How can you recognise an Asian hornet and its nest?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A type of giant wasp, the Asian hornet is an invasive species that has been present in France since 2004. Before taking any action with treatments, you must ensure that it is indeed this insect. Colour, size, differences from its European cousin and bumblebees, and the shape of the nest\u2026 here are the key features to help you recognise them and determine whether a colony is present nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Key information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u27a1\ufe0f The Asian hornet can be recognised by its very dark body, its orange band on the abdomen and its yellow legs.
\u27a1\ufe0f It is generally smaller than the European hornet, although it often appears more robust in flight.
\u27a1\ufe0f Its nest looks like brown paper, is spherical or oval in shape, and has an entrance on the side.
\u27a1\ufe0f The danger is greatest near the nest: do not go near it and always leave its removal to a professional.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Introduction to the Asian hornet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Asian hornet, whose scientific name is Vespa velutina<\/a>, is a species native to the following countries: Afghanistan, India, China and Indonesia. Accidentally introduced into France in the early 2000s, it has since become established across almost the whole of the country and in several other European countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What does an Asian hornet look like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is also known as the \u2018yellow-legged hornet\u2019, a detail that makes it much easier to identify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are its distinguishing features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n