THERE has been a sharp rise in sightings of Asian hornets in the UK which could spell disaster for its wildlife.

       But what are they, and how do you spot one?

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       The insects slaughter up to 50 honey bees a day and use their jaws to chew through the protective bee clothing Credit: PA:Press Association What are Asian hornets?

       Asian hornets, which have the Latin name Vespa velutina, are large insects that prey on smaller creatures.

       They have a direct impact on honey bee colonies by killing them to feed their own brood.

       A single hornet can kill up to 40 bees per minute due to its large mandibles.

       The hornet is usually home to temperate and tropical East Asia, South Asia, Mainland Southeast Asia, and parts of the Russian Far East.

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       Are there Asian hornets in the UK?

       Asian hornets arrived in France inside Chinese pot plants in 2004 and are increasingly common across the Channel.

       Since then British beekeepers have been sent warnings by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

       Wildlife experts warned it was "just a matter of time" before Asian hornets appear in Britain to threaten the beleaguered bee population.

       In 2016 the invasive species was spotted in Gloucestershire.

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       However, experts now warning Brits of a hornet invasion.

       The number of sightings has rocketed from two in 2021 and 2022 to 22 confirmed so far in 2023.

       Scientists warn that nests have now been found in East Sussex, Kent, Devon and Dorset.

       They are concerned that climate change will make conditions in Britain favourable for the hornets.

       Dr Gavin Broad from the Natural History Museum told the BBC: "We are transporting all sorts of plants and animals - fungi even - outside of their native ranges to places where the local environment has not evolved along with them, so they cause many threats to food security, to our native animals and plants."

       The economic cost of the invasive species has risen to more than ￡ 300 billion a year across the world.

       What size are Asian hornets and what do they look like?

       Asian hornets look similar to native European hornets but with darker colouring.

       Queens grow up to 3cm in length, and workers up to 2.5cm.

       Their bodies are dark brown or black, and bordered with a yellow band, while they have one band across the abdomen.

       Their legs are brown with yellow ends and they have an orange face.

       How to identify an Asian hornet nest

       The Asian hornet is a day-flying species which, unlike the European hornet, ceases activity at dusk.

       It nests in tall trees in urban and rural areas, and nests can also be found in sheds, garages, under decking or in holes in the wall or ground.

       Disturbing a hornet’s nest can be extremely dangerous as up to 700 insects will join in an attack on any perceived threat.

       Don't run. They can fly faster than you can and are intrigued by moving targets and consider running a provocation.

       Crouch low to the ground, stop moving and try to cover your head.

       Sightings should be sent with a photograph and location.

       Do not under any circumstances disturb or provoke an active hornet's nest.

       Do Asian hornets sting?

       Asian hornets are not generally aggressive but are known to be highly protective over their nests.

       Health and wellness expert Jay Riggs from Zeal CBD Flower Shop said: “If you’re stung by a regular hornet, their sting generally causes mild symptoms but can be a lot more uncomfortable and more swollen than a bee’s sting.

       "But getting stung by an Asian hornet will hurt a lot more, particularly as the toxicity is greater than most stinging insects.

       "Its sting can be described as a feeling similar to being stabbed by a red-hot needle.

       "Where the needle punctures the skin, it can swell severely and ache for a few days. They are likely to sting when they feel threatened and a single Asian hornet can sting once or multiple times."

       Can Asian hornets kill you?

       Asian hornets contain a neurotoxin that can kill in just a single sting if you are allergic to their venom.

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       The sting also holds eight chemicals that can cause an allergic shock in humans.

       In France, six people have died from anaphylactic shock after being stung.