Yellow-Legged Hornet

Yellow-legged hornet (Vespa vulutina), or YLH, is an invasive pest from southeast Asia. YLH has not been found in New York, but its presence was first confirmed in the United States after the detection of a live specimen in Georgia in late 2023. Several months later another finding was also confirmed in a trap in South Carolina. USDA, Georgia, and South Carolina officials continue to monitor for YLH nests and adults and work to safely eradicate any findings. 

Yellow-legged hornet is not native to the United States, but it can be mistaken for many other species of bees, hornets, or wasps that are likely to be found here. YLH measures approximately 1.2 to 3 cm in length, and as its name suggests, the yellow-legged hornet has bright yellow legs which differentiate this species from common lookalikes. 

YLH also exhibits a black head, a broad orange-yellow face and large, prominent eyes. The thorax and abdomen are predominantly black, with a single yellow segment near the posterior end of the abdomen. The yellow-legged hornet is slightly smaller than the European hornet, one of its common lookalike species. You may view common lookalikes species here. 

Beekeepers should be alert for yellow-legged hornet “hawking” behavior as this behavior can help differentiate YLH from other bee and wasp species that may attempt to rob weak colonies of honey or nectar during the beekeeping season.

Yellow-legged hornet is a predatory insect that feeds on a variety of insects making it a potential threat to managed pollinators such as the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), feral honey bees, and native pollinators. Its invasive and predatory nature towards bees and wasps does not make it any more threatening to human health than bee or wasp species that currently live in New York. 

Beekeepers should remain alert of yellow-legged hornet as they would likely be the first to notice signs if it were to be introduced in New York due to its predatory nature towards honey bees. If found, the best way to help experts identify a specimen is to take a photo or collect a dead insect in a crush-proof container (only do this if it is safe), then place it in the freezer overnight and complete the public reporting form below.

Please report suspected New York sightings of yellow-legged hornet here.*

You may also contact [email protected] or (518) 457-2087 extension 3 with questions.

*This reporting tool is for New York sightings only. If you are not in New York, please report your sighting to your state apiary inspector, the state department of agriculture, or your local extension service.