Else Beekman
A growing presence of the oriental wasp, or Asian hornet (Vespa orientalis), is stirring alarm across Málaga and neighbouring provinces. Known for its aggressive behaviour and broad appetite, this invasive insect is causing notable damage to local ecosystems and livelihoods.
The phenomenon has come under close study thanks to a citizen science initiative run by El Bosque Animado, an environmental group based in Málaga. Through widespread public participation, researchers have been able to track the insect’s progression and assess its likely consequences.
Data gathered from 2023 to 2024 revealed a 30% increase in sightings in Málaga alone. The hornet has also gained a foothold in Cádiz and Seville, confirming that its range is no longer isolated or incidental.
Community collaboration proves vital
Efforts to monitor the spread have relied heavily on reports submitted via the Observation.org platform. Using a mobile app, residents across Andalucia recorded sightings throughout the warmer months of 2024. What began with limited appearances in coastal Cádiz in 2018 has now expanded rapidly, with western Málaga becoming a notable hotspot. Only the eastern edge of the province has remained largely untouched.
Florent Prunier, biologist and scientific adviser to the initiative, underlined the urgency of the matter. “The pace at which this species is spreading calls for structured surveillance, clear response protocols, and greater public understanding,” he said.
Climate shifts fuelling spread
Longer, hotter summers are creating ideal breeding conditions for Vespa orientalis. The hornet’s expansion poses a direct threat to agriculture and beekeeping—both of which depend on pollinators that the hornet routinely preys upon.
“They’re not just a threat to bees and other insects,” Prunier noted. “They also pose problems for farmers and residents. Grape crops, for example, are particularly vulnerable. And as for chemical solutions—those would endanger the very biodiversity we’re trying to protect.”
Call for invasive status
As concern deepens, regional farming and apiculture groups are urging Spanish authorities to formally recognise the Asian wasp as an invasive species. If approved, the move would bring access to national funding and establish legal tools for more effective intervention. A decision is expected by early 2025.
Pollinators under pressure
While honey bees often take the spotlight, they are not alone in facing the threat. Wild pollinators such as bumblebees and solitary bees are equally at risk. Their decline would have wider consequences for local flora and food production. The urgency for action, say experts, cannot be overstated.
Feeding habits that cause concern
This hornet’s diet is strikingly diverse. From sparrows and pigeons to rodents, lizards, and even small fish, it consumes a wide range of animals. It also preys on insects, including grasshoppers, beetles, and aphids, while more unusual meals have included jellyfish and sea urchins.
Not limited to meat, the hornet also feeds on sugary fruits, vine sap, ivy berries, and discarded food waste. This adaptability adds to its success and makes it harder to manage.
How to tell asian hornets apart
The Asian hornet is often mistaken for the European hornet (Vespa crabro), a native species that serves an ecological function. The oriental hornet, however, is smaller and more brightly coloured, with reddish-brown tones and vivid yellow markings. Its nests are often found in exposed areas, unlike the more concealed preferences of its native counterpart. Recognising these differences helps avoid accidental targeting of beneficial species.
Beyond Málaga: other danger zones
Although Málaga draws much of the attention, the hornet has become a familiar presence elsewhere in Andalucia. Sightings are now frequent in coastal Granada, Almería’s urban zones, inland Jaén, and parts of Córdoba. Many of the most consistent reports come from coastal communities, suggesting that these areas provide ideal nesting conditions. The issue, once localised, is now regional.
For now, the fight continues. Scientists and volunteers remain committed to tracking this fast-moving species. Public awareness and accurate reporting will be key in shaping a response that protects both people and the environment.
Sources: La Opinion de Malaga, Novacienca.es
Asian hornet is increasingly common in Spain