A Tsumaaka Hornet, which is designated as an invasive alien species because of its potential impact on the ecosystem, has been confirmed in Fukuoka City. Authorities are urgently searching for the hornets and nests. The captured bee was confirmed as a Tsumaaka Hornet queen bee and measures about 2 cm long and is primarily a blackish color with an orange tip on the abdomen. According to authorities, on Apr 28, a beekeeper in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, found the wasp. The Tsumaaka Hornet was originally found in China and Southeast Asia and was found for the first time in Japan in 2012 in Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture. Although its aggressiveness and toxicity are the same as conventional hornets, it is designated as a “Specified Invasive Alien Species” whose breeding and transportation are prohibited because they attack honeybees and may affect the ecosystem and beekeeping industry. Source: NHK
Photo from KENPEI: Not the captured hornet , but for reference purpose.
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