Very dark body
The thorax appears velvety black or dark brown, giving the insect a much darker overall appearance than a native European hornet.
Invasive species identification and reporting
Yellow-legged Asian hornet
This non-native predator is a serious threat to honey bees and other insects. Learn the key markings, keep a safe distance and report every suspected sighting promptly through the official UK system.
How to report a sighting
See it. Snap it. Send it.Do not approach or disturb a nest
Suspected sighting?Take a clear photograph only if it is safe, record the exact location, and report it immediately using the Asian Hornet Watch app or official online form.Official reporting form
Four key features
What should you look for?
Do not rely on size alone. Look for this combination of features and compare your photograph with the official identification sheet.
One broad orange band
The abdomen is mostly dark, with a conspicuous orange-yellow band on the fourth abdominal segment rather than many yellow bands.
Yellow lower legs
The lower portions of the legs are distinctly yellow, often described as looking as though they have been dipped in yellow paint.
Orange face
The head is dark when viewed from above, with an orange-yellow face visible from the front.
The hero image is illustrative, not a substitute for official identification. Use your own clear photograph with the official guide so experts can confirm the insect.
Avoid false alarms
Commonly confused insects
European hornet
A large native insect with considerably more yellow across the abdomen and warmer reddish-brown colouring on the head, thorax and legs. Its lower legs are not characteristically yellow-dipped.
Common wasps
Smaller and much brighter overall, with repeated yellow-and-black abdominal stripes instead of one broad orange band on a mostly dark abdomen.
Hornet mimic hoverfly
A harmless fly with very large eyes and one pair of wings. It may resemble a hornet but lacks the long antennae and body structure of a true wasp.
Act promptly
How to report a suspected sighting
Reports with a clear photograph and precise location are much easier for specialists to assess.
Keep your distance
Do not attempt to catch the insect and never approach, touch or disturb a suspected nest. Keep people and pets away.
Photograph safely
Take a clear image or short video if this can be done without approaching. Note the exact location or what3words address.
Send the official report
Use the free Asian Hornet Watch app or the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology online form. Submit the image, date and precise location.
Official UK reporting routes
Reporting directly through the official system allows trained assessors and government response teams to act quickly.
You may also send the photograph to Mike for local awareness, but this does not replace the official report. WhatsApp is normally the most reliable way to reach him.
Official information
Identification and reporting advice can change as the national response develops. These official sources should always take precedence.
GOV.UK confirmed sightings and reportingBBKA identification and reporting guideUKCEH official reporting form
Reporting information checked 26 July 2026 against current GOV.UK, BBKA and UKCEH guidance.
Possible yellow-legged Asian hornet near Malton?
Photograph it from a safe distance, report it through the official system, then send Mike the details for local awareness.