Two More Predator Queen Hornets Found In Auckland

Victor
Waters, Journalist

Biosecurity New
Zealand has found two further queen
yellow-legged hornets in Auckland.

Mike Inglis,
north commissioner for Biosecurity New Zealand, said the two
were found within a 2km area from where another queen – in
the early stages of building a nest – was discovered on
Auckland’s North Shore on 17 October.

“We thank
Aucklanders for their vigilance in keeping an eye out for
this insect pest. We have had many calls to our 0800 number
and photos uploaded through our on-line reporting portal,”
he said.

“We are keen to know whether any more of
these hornets are out there, which is why we are asking
Aucklanders to keep an eye out and call us if the suspect
they have seen this hornet or its nest.

“The most
effective method for surveillance is through public
involvement – by keeping an eye out and letting us know if
they have seen this hornet or its nest.

“Early embryo
nests can be as small as a tennis ball and may appear within
just a couple of days. Do NOT disturb the nest, take a
photo, and report it to Biosecurity New
Zealand.”

Biosecurity New Zealand said to report a
specimen or clear photo of a suspect hornet and a possible
hornet nest to their website or pest and disease line 0800
80 99 66.

“It’s certainly not a pest we want in New
Zealand,” Inglis told Checkpoint.

Victoria University
professor of ecology and entomology Phil Lester previously
told RNZ the hornet
preys on honeybees.

He said in parts of Europe, 30
percent of honeybee colonies have been affected by this
species of hornet, impacting crops and honey
production.

Comvita chief executive Karl Gradon warned
the potential arrival of the invasive yellow-legged hornet
couldn’t come at a worse time for the honey industry in New
Zealand.

He said the industry was currently in a
crisis due to a sustained oversupply of manuka and softening
demands in luxury goods globally. Comvita has announced the
sector was facing $104 million loss last year
alone.

Gradon said an impact from the hornet species,
like what’s been seen in Europe, would further slump the
market.

He said there were 4000 beekeeping companies
in New Zealand and to reduce that at a time when the sector
was in crisis would be very
concerning.

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