Identifying and reporting the Asian hornet
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
The Asian hornet is almost entirely black, with a broad orange band at the end of the abdomen and bright yellow leg tips. As an invasive species it is subject to a mandatory reporting requirement in Switzerland: report any sighting or nest immediately via www.asiatischehornisse.ch rather than taking action yourself.
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive, non-native species that is spreading steadily across Switzerland. Unlike the native European hornet, it poses a serious threat to honey bees and to biodiversity — which is why prompt reporting matters. You will find the full species profile at /arten/asiatische-hornisse.
Features to look out for
- Colouring: almost entirely black, with a broad orange band at the end of the abdomen and a fine yellow band on the first segment
- Legs: strikingly bright yellow leg tips
- Head: orange-coloured at the front
- Size: 17–24 mm, and therefore smaller than the European hornet
- Nest: in summer, secondary nests often sit very high up (over 10 m) in tree canopies; they are spherical to pear-shaped with a side entrance hole
Common cases of mistaken identity
The Asian hornet is most often confused with the European hornet. The decisive difference: the European hornet is reddish-brown and yellow and noticeably lighter in colour, whereas the Asian hornet looks almost black. If you are unsure, the comparison in our guide “Hornet or wasp?” will help.
What to do straight away
- Do not attempt to control the insect or the nest yourself, and never try to remove the nest.
- Report the sighting or nest immediately via www.asiatischehornisse.ch — ideally with a photo and the location.
- Keep your distance, particularly from any beehives nearby.
- If you are unsure about the identification, consult a professional.
Why mandatory reporting matters
As an invasive species, the Asian hornet has no natural enemies in Switzerland and is spreading unchecked. It specifically preys on honey bees directly in front of their hives and can seriously weaken colonies within a matter of weeks. Reporting a sighting early allows the responsible specialist agencies to locate nests and remove them in good time, before new queens disperse in autumn and found further nests the following year. For private individuals the rule is: tackling the nest yourself makes no sense, given the height of the nests and the risk of confusion with the European hornet — report your find instead and leave any further assessment to the specialist agencies. For more background on Switzerland’s wasp species, see our guide “Identifying Switzerland’s wasp species”.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Asian hornet differ from the European hornet?
The Asian hornet is almost entirely black, with an orange band on the abdomen and yellow leg tips. The European hornet, by contrast, is reddish-brown and yellow and noticeably lighter in colour.
Is the Asian hornet protected in Switzerland?
No. As an invasive non-native species it enjoys no legal protection. Sightings and nests are, however, subject to mandatory reporting via www.asiatischehornisse.ch.
Why is the Asian hornet a problem for bees?
It specifically preys on honey bees in front of their hives and can seriously weaken or wipe out a colony within a short space of time. This is why reporting it early matters.