Scientific name: Vespa crabro

Size: 25-35 mm

Origin: Europe, Asia and North America

Name (ES): Avispón europeo

Description:

Detected in the Balearic Islands in 2022.

The European hornet is not a native species to the Balearic Islands. Although its invasive potential in the Balearics is unknown, it is being targeted as a cautionary measure. It seriously affects beekeeping activities given its preference for feeding on honeybees. Hunting pressure can lead to bees ceasing all gathering activities and thus represents a danger to their survival.

You can download this informative poster

Scientific name: Vespa bicolor

Size: 15-20 mm

Origin: South-eastern Asia

Name (ES): Avispón bicolor

Description:

Not detected in the Balearic Islands, although it was detected in Malaga in 2013.

This small and agile wasp has a remarkable predatory behaviour. It selects food based on resources found around the nest. Nevertheless, it seriously affects beekeeping activities given its preference for feeding on honeybees. Hunting pressure can lead to bees ceasing all gathering activities and thus represents a danger to their survival.

You can download this informative poster

Scientific name: Vespa orientalis

Size: 25-35 mm

Origin: Asia, Africa, Madagascar, Israel and some parts of Europe

Name (ES): Avispón oriental

Description:

Not detected in the Balearic Islands.

Unlike the Asian hornet, it prefers to build its nests in holes inside walls or in the ground. It seriously affects beekeeping activities given its preference for feeding on honeybees. Hunting pressure can lead to bees ceasing all gathering activities and thus represents a danger to their survival.

You can download this informative poster

Beetles (Coleoptera)

Bees and wasps (Himenoptera)

Flies (Diptera)

Moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera)