If you enjoy spending time in your garden, you have probably seen your share of bees, wasps and hornets. But what would you do if you spotted an insect that looked like a yellow-legged hornet?
The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive wasp that preys on honey bees. Although it has not been detected in Florida, agricultural officials are watching for this pest because of its potential impact on honey bees and pollination.
That makes awareness important for everyone, including homeowners in St. Lucie County and throughout Florida.
You don’t have to be a beekeeper or an insect expert to help. Knowing what this hornet looks like, understanding where you might find it, and knowing how to report a suspected sighting can help agricultural officials detect this invasive species early.
The yellow-legged hornet was first detected in the United States near Savannah, Georgia, in 2023. It has since been detected in other southeastern states. Florida’s location near these areas makes it important for residents to know what to watch for.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI), is working with partners to monitor for the yellow-legged hornet and prepare for a possible introduction into Florida.
For St. Lucie County homeowners, a walk through your own backyard could become an important opportunity to help protect Florida’s pollinators.
What is a yellow-legged hornet?
The yellow-legged hornet is native to Southeast Asia. It is an invasive species in areas outside its native range.
This hornet is a predator. It feeds on many types of insects, but honey bees are an important part of its diet. Yellow-legged hornets can capture honey bees and other insects to feed their young.
In parts of Europe where the hornet has become established, it has caused problems for beekeepers and honey bee colonies. UF/IFAS information notes that the species has high invasion potential and is a major concern for beekeepers.
This is why Florida officials are asking residents to learn how to recognize the insect and report any suspected sightings.
Could you recognize one?
Yellow-legged hornets can be confused with other wasps and hornets found in Florida. Learning a few key features can help you know what to look for.
Yellow-legged hornets are about ¾ to 1 inch long. They have a mostly dark body, yellow legs and yellow or orange markings.
Credit: Oliver Keller and Krystal Ashman, UF/IFAS
Credit: Oliver Keller and Krystal Ashman, UF/IFAS
Look for these features:
- A mostly dark body
- Yellow portions of the legs
- A dark abdomen with lighter bands
- A broad yellow-orange face
- A body about ¾ to 1 inch long
The name yellow-legged hornet comes from one of its most noticeable features: its yellow legs.
However, color can vary, and several wasps found in Florida may look similar. This is why it is important to avoid identifying an insect based on just one feature.
What does its nest look like?
Yellow-legged hornets build enclosed paper nests above the ground.
Nests may be found in:
- Trees and tall branches
- Bushes and shrubs
- Rooflines
- Barns and sheds
- Other buildings and structures
A colony begins with a single queen. As the season progresses, the colony grows and can contain thousands of hornets. UF/IFAS information reports that colonies can reach around 6,000 individuals.
Never approach or disturb a suspected nest.
Where might you see a yellow-legged hornet?
You don’t have to be a beekeeper to encounter a yellow-legged hornet.
Homeowners may notice insects around:
- Flowering plants
- Trees and shrubs
- Gardens
- Sheds and garages
- Rooflines and other structures
- Places where bees and other insects are active
Yellow-legged hornets may also be seen hunting for insects. One behavior to watch for is called “hawking.” This means the hornet may hover in the air while waiting to capture another insect.
Do you keep backyard honey bees?
Backyard beekeepers can play an important role in early detection.
Because yellow-legged hornets prey on honey bees, beekeepers should pay close attention to unusual large wasps around their hives.
Watch for hornets that repeatedly hover near hive entrances or capture honey bees returning to the colony.
If you see something suspicious: Don’t try to catch it. Don’t disturb the hive or nest.
If it is safe, take a photograph and record the location. Then report the sighting to FDACS-DPI.
Your observation could help agricultural officials determine where additional surveillance is needed.
Not every large wasp is a yellow-legged hornet
Florida is home to many species of wasps and hornets. Some may look similar to the yellow-legged hornet.
Examples include:
Credit: James Castner, UF/IFAS
- Bald-faced hornets
Credit: Bruce Marlin
- Yellowjackets
Credit: Lyle J. Buss, UF/IFAS
- Paper wasps
- Cicada killers
- Other native wasps
Many of these insects are beneficial. They can help control other insects or contribute to pollination.
Don’t spray or destroy a wasp nest simply because you are unsure what it is.
Instead, take a photograph from a safe distance and ask an expert for help with identification.
The UF/IFAS Featured Creatures resource notes that the yellow-legged hornet can be confused with other species, including the cicada killer and the northern giant hornet.
What should you do if you see one?
If you think you have found a yellow-legged hornet, follow these simple steps:
1. Stay away
Do not approach the insect or nest.
2. Don’t try to catch it
Trying to capture an unfamiliar hornet could result in a sting.
3. Take a photo—only if it is safe
A clear photograph can help experts identify the insect.
4. Record the location
Write down where you saw it. Include the address or the closest location you can safely provide.
5. Report it
If you are in Florida, report a suspected yellow-legged hornet to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI).
DPI Helpline: 1-888-397-1517
You can also submit a report through the FDACS online reporting system.
Don’t worry if you are not completely sure about the identification. Reporting a suspected sighting allows experts to review the information.
Why reporting matters
Invasive species are easier to manage when they are found early.
Finding one hornet does not necessarily mean that a colony has become established. However, a report can help officials determine whether additional surveillance is needed.
The first U.S. detection of the yellow-legged hornet shows why public reporting matters. A beekeeper near Savannah, Georgia, noticed unusual hornets, captured them and reported them to authorities. Officials were then able to locate and remove the nest.
Early detection gives agricultural officials a better chance to respond before an invasive species spreads.
What does this mean for Florida?
Florida has a large beekeeping and agricultural industry, and honey bees provide important pollination services.
The goal is not to make homeowners afraid of every wasp they see. Most wasps you encounter in Florida are not yellow-legged hornets.
Instead, the goal is to help residents recognize a potential invasive pest and know what to do if they see something unusual.
Whether you are gardening, walking through your neighborhood or keeping a few honey bee colonies in your backyard, you can help with early detection.
Help protect Florida’s pollinators
You don’t need to be a beekeeper or an entomologist to help protect Florida’s honey bees.
The next time you are outside, take a moment to observe the insects around your plants. If you see a suspicious hornet, don’t disturb it. Take a photo if it is safe, record the location and report it to FDACS-DPI.
Early detection starts with people paying attention.
See something suspicious? Report it.
Learn More
For more information about identifying yellow-legged hornets and Florida’s native look-alike species, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ yellow-legged hornet resources and UF/IFAS resources.
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