Lesser Banded Hornet found in central Auckland

[Grant]

A new invasive species of wasp has been found in St Mary’s Bay, central Auckland.

An information flier given to St Marys Bay residents this week by Biosecurity New Zealand said the non-native pest wasp was not known to be present in New Zealand, until now.

The lesser banded hornet is also known to feed on insects, including honey bees.

“Biosecurity New Zealand is interested in any further sightings of this insect as we would like to be sure there are no others in the area.”

Biosecurity NZ said an investigation was now under way to ensure the one found was the only one.

 

[tristan]

######.

 

[Otto]

Definitely another species we could do without.
The stuff article was frustratingly devoid of actual information. Said that a worker was found and that is about it. Yes, a worker cannot start a nest by itself but if it was found alive it obviously came from a nest somewhere...

 

[yesbut]

Definitely another species we could do without.
The stuff article was frustratingly devoid of actual information. Said that a worker was found and that is about it. Yes, a worker cannot start a nest by itself but if it was found alive it obviously came from a nest somewhere...

Maybe not necessarily if they live for a few months (?) could have survived in a container...

 

[John B]

Maybe not necessarily if they live for a few months (?) could have survived in a container...

Yet another incursion. It would be nice to think all containers were checked but that would be wishful thinking. Our border security is much vaunted but in reality incursions happen almost continuously.