A 44-year-old man in Lugo (Galicia) died after being stung by an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) around the middle of last month.

This kind of aggressive hornet (never met a pacifist one) first made an appearance in Spain eight years ago on the northern coast, where its impact has been considerable. They have slowly made their way south from South-West France since their first arrival in Europe 13 years ago.

Experts believe that they have all originated from a queen hornet that arrived amongst the cargo of a ship from Asian ports.

It’s slightly smaller than a European hornet but its sting is far more potent. However, in the case of the main in Lugo, he was allergic to stings, which is why it killed him whilst he was clearing dry vegetation on his land.

The nest can measure up to a metre across and contain between 1,200 and 1,800 wasps. These nests are normally high up in trees. Their ‘diet’ is between 45% and 80% honey bees, as well as spiders, butterflies and dragonflies.

It is proving almost impossible to eradicate these wasps without wiping out other less harmful and more desirable insects.

Editorial comment: I had two big blighters flying around on my terrace this afternoon: they could have been normal hornets, but their buzzing was very similar to the drone made by those big, black beetles when they fly past you. I had a go at them with a fly squat but they just laughed and ate it.

(News: Spain)