Spread of the yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax du Buysson (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) across Northern Spain

Abstract

The yellow-legged hornet�Vespa velutina nigrithorax�du Buysson (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is an Asian native species which has now established in parts of Europe. Since its detection in France in 2005 it has spread quickly across the country and also spread to the Iberian Peninsula. This paper compiles the most recent data about its spread and distribution on the Spanish mainland. The efficacy of using V�to-Pharma� traps as a control method is also discussed.