Mangilao, Guam-A new invasive species has been identified on Guam. The greater banded hornet, or Vespa Tropica, is a species of wasp, are aggressive and have caused a decrease in the local honeybee population.

An invasive species causes harm to the local population and comes from a different area. Entomologist Aubrey Moore has previously stated that the greater banded hornet is a minor problem compared to the rhinoceros beetle. However, it continues to affect local species. 

According to Christopher Rosario, a biologist for the University of Guam, states that the greater banded hornet is a carnivorous insect that preys on paper wasps, known locally as bonnie bees. Because of the increasing population of hornets, bonnie bee nests have been declining. Due to this shortage in their food source the hornets have been attacking honeybee colonies all over Guam.

Honeybees serve as a major pollinator for agricultural food crops. They aid in the production of one-third of everything humans eat. Losing this major pollinator would devastate our diet, dramatically reducing the variety of foods available for consumption.

The grater banded hornet was discovered in July 2016 and quickly established a colony on island. A sting from this hornet is extremely painful. Prevention is key for reducing the hornet population on Guam.

“A way to prevent hornets from harming honeybee colonies is to kill a hornet when seen foraging in the environment,” Rosario said. “That single foraging hornet could find a bee hive, mark it with a pheromone, and send half the nest to kill a whole honeybee colony.”

If you see any hornet nests in your area, please report the location to the Guam Department of Agriculture.