5 years ago
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Native bee species could be 'wiped out' as Asian hornets spread across UK, conservationists warn
Britain's native bee species face being “wiped out” by a "highly aggressive" Asian hornet, conservationists have warned after the invasive insect was spotted in two locations at opposite ends of the country. The honey bee-killing Asian hornet, which is believed to have first arrived in Europe on crates imported from China to France in 2004, has been confirmed at locations in Liskeard, Cornwall and Hull. The creature, which is smaller than the UK's native hornet, poses no greater risk to humans than the humble wasp, but feasts on honey bees and is capable of killing around 50 a day.
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https://www.independent.co.uk
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Fun fact: Japanese honey bees have their own defence mechanism against wasps that invade their territory. They surround the invader in the hundreds and vibrate their flight muscles violently, increasing the temperature to 115F and raising the carbon dioxide level hugely - slowly cooking and asphyxiating the invading wasp to death.
Of course, other honey bees don't have such a defense mechanism and are easy prey for a pack of hornets.