The wasp that hunts bees to feed its young is now all over Andalusia, and it’s not the only one

The oriental hornet, an invasive bee-hunting species, has spread across all of Andalusia and is still advancing in Spain.

First detected in Algeciras in 2018, it has now colonized all eight Andalusian provinces in just a few years.

Records rose 30% between 2023 and 2024, with the highest presence in Cádiz, Málaga, Seville and Córdoba.

Experts say its rapid spread threatens hives and could hit beekeeping, while showing strong adaptation to urban and rural environments.