Asian hornets have overwintered in the UK for the first time

Asian hornets found in East Sussex, UK, this spring are genetically linked to a nest destroyed in the area last year, confirming that the invasive species has overwintered in Britain for the first time.

UK officials have been fighting to prevent the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) from becoming established in the country since the first sighting in 2016.

Asian hornets are smaller than native European hornets (Vespa…