Introduction
On August 9, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection of yellow-legged hornet (YLH, Vespa velutina) in Savannah, Georgia. This hornet is a pest of honey bees and, if established, has the potential to significantly impact Florida’s vast apiary industry, which provides not only honey but pollination services all over the country.
In response to this find, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI) formed the Florida Taskforce for the Yellow-Legged Hornet. This taskforce was formed to develop safeguarding strategies should this pest be found in Florida. In October, a delegation of the taskforce visited the current eradication program in Savannah to participate in ongoing eradication efforts by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and collaborate with personnel to begin developing emergency response protocols to implement in the event of an introduction of this pest into Florida.
Description
The yellow-legged hornet belongs to the subfamily Vespinae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), which includes yellow jackets and hornets. This group can generally be identified by the combination of two characteristics: the wings are longitudinally folded at rest, and the anterior end of the abdomen has a blocky shape. In Florida, there are three native species of Vespinae: the southern yellow jacket (Vespula squamosa), the eastern yellow jacket (Vespula maculifrons), and the bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata). In some cases, the color forms of some species of vespine wasps can be variable. Vespa velutina exhibits significant color variation in its native distribution. Yellow-legged hornets are large, about 1 inch long, including queens and workers.
Similar Species
Yellow-legged hornets can be mistaken for other hornet and wasp species commonly found in Florida based on certain behavior, nest and visual characteristics.
The yellow-legged hornet constructs aerial, enclosed paper nests and exhibits “hawking” behavior.
The groups below are commonly found in Florida and share similar traits to the yellow-legged hornet.
Hornet and Yellowjacket “Look-Alikes”
Construct Aerial, Enclosed Paper Nests
Exhibit “Hawking”-Like Behavior
Resources
For more detailed information about this hornet, see the following:
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Differentiating Florida Native Wasps From Yellow-Legged Hornet
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2.6 MB
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- How to Make Your Own Yellow-Legged Hornet Trap
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Vespa velutina Pest Alert
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1.3 MB
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Report Yellow-Legged Hornet Sightings in Florida
FDACS-DPI is currently conducting outreach to bee clubs and surveying for yellow-legged hornet in North Florida.
If you think you have seen yellow-legged hornet in Florida, please report the sighting online or contact the DPI Helpline at 1-888-397-1517.