Asian hornet detected in Bavaria, prompting bee‑keeper alerts

In the Bavarian district of Donau‑Ries, officials confirmed the first sighting of an invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) on 4 May in Ederheim, following a previous find a day earlier in Steinheim. The specimen was a lone queen, and no nest has been located yet. Experts warn that hornet queens can establish nests within one to two weeks, threatening local honey‑bee colonies and causing concern among beekeepers, who have begun monitoring with bait traps and reporting any further sightings.

At the same time, Germany’s entomologists highlighted the large blue carpenter bee (Xylocopa violacea), named the country’s wild bee of the year 2024. The solitary bee, measuring up to 28 mm and displaying a metallic blue‑black sheen, is increasingly seen in gardens across the nation, especially in sunny, dry habitats. It nests in dead wood, acts as an effective pollinator, and poses no significant danger to humans, stinging only if handled.

Both insects underline the importance of public awareness: while the Asian hornet may impact beekeeping and require control measures, the blue carpenter bee contributes positively to pollination and biodiversity.