Identification of Asian Hornet
The Asian hornet is a large social wasp native to east Asia. It was introduced accidentally to France in 2004 and has since spread throughout much of western Europe. It was reported in Ireland for the first time in April 2021, and again during 2025.
The Asian hornet is an aggressive predator of insects, especially honey bees and other pollinators. It poses a potential threat to our native biodiversity should it establish in Ireland. To stop the spread and establishment of the Asian hornet in Ireland, it is important that the public become aware of what it looks like and how to report suspected sightings.
Identification features: Large hornet with a generally dark appearance with an orange face. Mistaken identity in Ireland with native species has occurred however, the following characteristics can help with identification:
- Queen up to 3 centimetres and worker up to 2.5 centimetres long
- Dark colour antennae
- Long orange face
- Entirely brown or black thorax so no stripes on the middle/thorax section.
- Abdomen mostly black except for yellow band across the 4th segment with orangey-coloured lower segments.
- Legs yellow at the ends
- It has a small thin stinger that is retractable so normally not visible.
Please click on this Asian hornet comparison identification guide to aid with identification. Guide to identifying nests is also available here.