‘It has retreated and is now returning’
A dangerous creature has reappeared in a European country for the first time since the 1970s.
What’s going on?
The eastern hornet was spotted in a quarry in Kaštela, near Split. Croatia Week It was reported in September.
We are told that insects are at peak activity and stings may be possible. The species was previously seen in Trieste, Italy, and may have traveled there by ship. It moved to neighboring Slovenia and then to Dalmatia, the region covering the southernmost part of Croatia from the Adriatic coast.
“It is known to have existed before, but there is no literature data since the 1970s, so it has retreated and is now returning to its former habitat,” Nediljko Landeka of the Institute of Public Health told Croatia Week’s Dnevnik Nova TV. he said.
Why is this important?
In fact, the eastern hornet may not be an invasive species in Croatia, which is at the edge of its range. However, his long absence indicates that there may be at least a problem.
Invasive species are plants and animals that are not native to an area. They can spread rapidly by taking over ecosystems that have not developed or adapted to their presence. The absence of natural predators or similar mechanisms to keep them in check disrupts the balance of the environment by pushing out other species.
“The re-emergence of the Eastern hornet is a reminder of how species can re-emerge after decades and why it is vital to exercise caution when encountering them,” the publication said.
Eastern hornets look like European hornets but are reddish brown and their yellow bands do not reach the end of their abdomen, the U.S. Army Public Health Center Entomological Sciences Program notes. demonstrations. It should also not be confused with the Asian hornet.
The fascinating creature can convert solar radiation into electrical energy. National Geographic. But it also poses a threat to declining honey bee populations, according to Italian officials. Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie.
What is being done about the eastern hornet?
The hornet’s sting can cause an allergic reaction and even be fatal, so residents were advised to stay away from the nests. Treatment consists of washing the area with soap and water, as well as applying antiseptics and cold compresses. According to Croatia Week, those whose symptoms worsen should seek medical attention immediately.
If the error persists radiateauthorities may need to take action. In the United Kingdom, for example, the government captured Asian hornets and used minute trackers to find their colonies. In the United States, where the spotted lanternfly has become an invasive menace, biologists have recommended removing some invasive trees to encourage native birds to develop an appetite for the plant pest.
This is because native plants are crucial to supporting native animals, and invasive species feed on each other. You can help by: rewilding your garden And controlling pests naturally.
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