The battle against the invasive Asian hornet continues as UK scientists ramp up efforts to eradicate this formidable threat to local ecosystems. The BBC received exclusive access to Fera Science, a laboratory near York, where dedicated professionals analyze DNA from Asian hornet nests to identify potential hotspots for future invasions.

Dr. Eleanor Jones, a senior molecular geneticist at Fera Science, expressed optimism regarding the UK’s ability to realistically eradicate the Asian hornet at this stage. In stark contrast to last year, where a staggering 72 nests were destroyed, this year only 23 nests have been removed, primarily located in Kent and Sussex.

These hornets pose a significant risk to bees and various other pollinators, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and food production. Alarmingly, a single Asian hornet nest can devour up to 24 pounds (11 kilograms) of insects within a season, and one hornet can consume as many as 50 bees in a single day.

In the intricate life cycle of the Asian hornet, the queen initiates the development of female workers followed by the next generation of males and eventually new queens. Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of identifying male hornets within a nest since their presence indicates that the nest may have successfully produced queens. Conversely, if only females are found, it suggests that the nest was likely destroyed before new queens could spread.

During a recent visit, Fera scientists meticulously dissected a large rugby ball-shaped nest, measuring 20 inches (50 cm) tall and 15 inches (40 cm) wide. Discovered and destroyed in Kent in October, this impressive nest had been preserved in a freezer for 72 hours to ensure that all organisms were deceased.

Utilizing pointed tweezers, the team extracted larvae, pupae, and adult hornets for detailed genetic analysis. Under the microscope, scientists determined the sex of each hornet, categorizing males and females into separate petri dishes. Any females exceeding a weight of 0.02 ounces (600 mg) underwent further analysis to confirm if they were queens.

Tragically, the results from this nest indicated that it was still active when destroyed, as both males and freshly laid eggs were discovered inside. This suggests that new queens had likely already emerged, prompting heightened surveillance in the area for the coming spring, including the use of traps and bait stations to capture emerging queens.

In addition to nest dissection, laboratory staff are examining the genetic information of the hornets to trace any connections to previous populations discovered in the UK. Dr. Jones noted, “We’re looking for that final link to show they’ve successfully bred.”

Ongoing DNA research demonstrates that Asian hornet queens are successfully surviving the UK winter, but the question remains whether this new generation is effectively breeding. Dr. Olaf Booy from the Animal and Plant Health Agency emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating the hornet threat. "In hotspot areas, bee inspectors will ensure that locals have bait traps and that awareness is as high as possible," Dr. Booy stated.

The investigation into the Asian hornet's longevity and breeding patterns is critical for the health of Britain's ecosystems. With active community reporting via the Asian Hornet Watch app, authorities are hopeful that continued vigilance will help stave off this invasive menace.

As scientists gather more data, the urgency to combat this invasive species grows. The fate of the UK's pollinators hangs in the balance, and every effort must be made to protect these vital contributors to our agricultural and ecological systems. Will the combined forces of science and public awareness be enough to thwart the Asian hornet’s invasion? Stay tuned as this story continues to develop.