Nest of nasty Asian hornets found in Wales for first time

A DEAD nest of 'killer' Asian hornets has been found in Wales for the first time.

- By OWEN HUGHES

The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is an insect species that is invasive to Europe, having been introduced into France some 20 years ago.

It is often found in Southern England in the summer months after first being detected in 2016, and in recent years has been spreading north across the UK.

They are highly aggressive hornets around 3cm long with an entirely black or brown body and distinctive yellow legs.

The hornets (pictured) feed on more than 1,000 species including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies and beetles.

Now a nest has been found near Wrexham, in the first confirmed discovery of the insect in Wales.

The Welsh Government said it is asking for vigilance around sightings of them in Wales, and for suspected sightings to be reported.