The presence of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has been confirmed in the Algarve, with a higher incidence recorded in the western and central part of the region, according to a statement released Silves Municipal Council.
Within the Algarvian municipality of Silves, two primary nests have been identified and destroyed in the parishes of Alcantarilha and São Bartolomeu de Messines. Following the detections, the council reinforced its network of monitoring traps in susceptible locations in an effort to track the spread of the invasive species.
Originally from Southeast Asia, the Asian hornet is a known predator of the European honeybee. The insect can reach approximately three centimetres in length.
It is distinguished by a dark abdomen marked with a thin yellow stripe and an orange band towards the tip, a black head with a yellow or orange face, and yellow legs.
At this time of year, small primary nests may begin to appear. Typically spherical and about the size of a tennis ball, these nests are often found under eaves, in outbuildings, warehouses, or shrubs.
The municipality is urging residents to report sightings via the online portal of the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), or directly to the Silves Civil Protection and Forestry Service.
Authorities warn that anyone who encounters a nest should not approach or attempt to remove it, and should instead contact municipal services.
Source: Silves Council
