Vespa velutina and bees: here are the advice of beekeepers

The wasp velutina , just like the bees , is part of the hymenoptera family. This category includes a large number of different species and other sub-categories. The wasp in question is part of the branch of the Apocrites distinguished for having a thorax separated from the abdomen. This particular type of wasp, whose presence has also been recorded in Italy, constitutes a real problem for the safety of bees as it is predisposed to attack the hives and decimate every swarm it encounters on its path .

To cope with the phenomenon it is important to have information about it and to be able to recognize the aspect of the velutina wasp and its habits in order to better act on the problem. If you are a beekeeper , it is important that you know the predators and the dangers to your bees well and that you can protect the farm efficiently.

How to recognize the Velutina bee?

Recognizing the wasp velutina from other similar ones belonging to the same insect family is especially important if we want to protect the life of bees . In fact, this type of wasp can be considered as a real predator of honey bees and constitutes a serious problem for their survival.

To distinguish the insect, some details must be taken into account, especially those relating to its color and size. It is also possible to recognize a nest belonging to the wasp in question thanks to some peculiarities.

Size and appearance of the wasp

The wasp velutina is easily identifiable, especially if observed by an expert eye. It is a species that reaches an average body length of 30 mm. Its peculiarity lies in having a body in which the black color is predominant. The wasp is predominantly dark throughout the chest and abdomen. We distinguish by contrast, the presence of an orange area on the front of the garment. Observation of the legs is also a factor that can help us a lot in distinguishing the species. The wasp has two-colored legs, mostly black but there is a detachment of color in the final part of the legs where the tone continues towards a shade of yellow.

It often happens that the wasp velutina is confused with other species such as that of the Vespa crabro or yellow hornet. In this case, however, it is a completely different insect, larger, predominantly light in color and with uniform legs without the division of the double color.

Nest and habits

The nest is easily recognizable. The construction of the nest by the wasp begins in the period between winter and early spring. The primary node has a spherical shape with an internal recess that creates the opening. The primary nest is a temporary home inhabited by the queen alone or by a few individuals. The nest is composed of compact cellulose, obtained by processing the material mixed with the saliva of the wasps. As the swarm grows, the wasps move to a larger nest. Usually this happens in the summer when the swarms multiply quickly and each nest can contain hundreds of hornets and many queens inside.

Protect bees and hives

It is a very aggressive species. Each Vespa Velutina can capture and kill a bee every 10 seconds . For beekeepers, stopping the phenomenon has become a priority. In fact, there are many breeders who have suffered damage in their breeding. These are substantial losses that have led to a decrease in swarms of more than 50%

Predators of honey bees

Adult specimens of wasp velutina have been shown to attack hives to feed on bees.

The wasps in question are a very aggressive and dangerous species. They position themselves in front of the entrances to the hives and wait for the bees to come out and then feed on them. Their attack is very fast and decisive and the bees have not yet found an efficient way to defend themselves against this new predator . In fact, remember that in the case of the velutina wasp, it is a non-native species and coming from eastern countries. What follows is a total lack of preparation on the part of the Italian bees who do not know this type of attack. The result is that the workers close in and renounce the harvesting of nectar , even in full bloom. It is important to stem and control the damage for producers who lose bees and honey , but also for the surrounding environment. The scarcity of bees would also lead to a decrease in the reproduction of plants and flowers since in this way pollination would occur in a reduced manner.

What beekeepers say

Recent sightings also in the Italian territory have greatly alarmed beekeepers who recommend intervening by placing traps specific for these specimens. Obviously, the intervention of beekeepers alone is not enough for the effective resolution of this problem. The damage to bees and to biodiversity could be relevant and the nature of the problem should be thoroughly analyzed and studies to be carried out to bring about a targeted management plan should be increased. Therefore, coordination at European level on policies relating to invasive species is expected. In the meantime, spreading information among beekeepers becomes the first step.

Sightings

The invasion of the dangerous insect originally began within the French territory and then moved to Italy as well. Among the affected regions we find Liguria, Tuscany and Piedmont. The funds allocated at the regional level for the management of the problem are almost scarce. The interventions applied do not seem to have been sufficient. During this period it is possible to contribute in part to the fight against the invasion by building a "do it yourself" trap with plastic bottles filled with beer.

The beer, in fact, attracts the queens of the velutinous wasps and the trap imprisons them trying to limit as much as possible that the specimens can found new colonies.

Buy bees online

If you are a beekeeper and you need fertile or virgin queen bees for your farm or parcels, swarms, families and nuclei, you can buy your bees directly online on the website: www.apicolturalaterza.it