The accidental introduction and subsequent spread of Asian hornets represents a growing threat to native biodiversity and pollination networks across Europe. First recorded in France in 2004, this invasive predatory hornet has now established footholds in multiple countries. Taxonomy and Morphology of Vespa velutina The Asian hornet is a subspecies of Vespa velutina, native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Vespidae, subfamily Vespinae. Morphologically, it is distinct from native hornet species (Vespa crabro) by its predominantly dark brown or black thorax, yellow-orange face, yellow tarsal segments on the legs, and a single bright yellow stripe on the