# Invasive oriental hornet spread in Andalusia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/invasive-oriental-hornet-spread-in-andalusia
> Updated: 2026-09-10T07:21:38.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The invasive oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) has seen a significant surge and expansion across the Andalusia region of Spain. Initially detected in Algeciras in 2018, possibly due to merchant traffic at the Port of Algeciras, the species has increasingly moved into urban environments and city centers, including Córdoba, Málaga, Jaén, and Cádiz.

Recent data indicates a 30% increase in the species population between 2023 and 2024. Experts have raised alarms regarding the threat to local biodiversity and the apiculture industry, noting the hornet’s tendency to prey on honeybees and native invertebrates. While the species is distinct from the Asian hornet, its ability to adapt to warm, dry Mediterranean climates has facilitated its rapid spread throughout the provinces of Cádiz, Málaga, and Sevilla.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Oriental hornets expand across Andalusia, threatening biodiversity

The oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) is spreading through Andalusia, Spain, causing concern for biodiversity and beekeeping following a 30% population increase between 2023 and 2024.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oriental-hornets-expand-across-andalusia-threatening-biodiversity

### 2026-08-22: Andalusia sees surge in invasive oriental hornets

The invasive oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) is seeing a surge in Andalusia, Spain, with confirmed sightings in urban centers like Córdoba and Málaga, raising concerns about future colony expansion.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andalusia-sees-surge-in-invasive-oriental-hornets

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Cite as: Invasive oriental hornet spread in Andalusia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/invasive-oriental-hornet-spread-in-andalusia