Predicting the spread of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) following its incursion into Great Britain.

ABSTRACT: The yellow-legged or Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is native to South-East Asia, and is a voracious predator of pollinating insects including honey bees. Since its accidental introduction into South-Western France in 2004, V. velutina has spread to much of western Europe. The presence of V. velutina in Great Britain was first confirmed in September 2016. The likely dynamics following an initial incursion are uncertain, especially the risk of continued spread, and the likely success of control measures. Here we extrapolate from the situation in France to quantify the potential invasion of V. velutina in Great Britain. We find that, without control, V. velutina could colonise the British mainland rapidly, depending upon how the Asian hornet responds to the colder climate in Britain compared

SUBMITTER: Keeling MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5524706 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature