The Asian Hornet

Vespa vitulina or Asian hornet came to Europe in 2006. It then spread throughout France and the northwest Iberian Peninsula. The invasion of this hornet could have two consequences. Firstly an ecological one since, in addition to capturing honey producing bees, it may prey on other pollinator species and would consequently reduce biodiversity. The second effect would be economic, as this insect could cause heavy losses in honey producing bee colonies.

Professor of Zoology of Arthropods of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Juan Carlos Iturrondobeitia will speak about this subject during his “Asiatik datorren Iiztorra” (“The Asian Hornet”) lecture. This activity is part of the Zientziateka programme and will take place on 12 January at Azkuna Zentroa. The lecture will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point from 1 January. Entry is free.