The first confirmed sighting of an Asian hornet in Northern Ireland has been recorded, prompting an urgent response from environmental authorities.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency confirmed today that the invasive insect was captured in the Dundonald area of Belfast on 10 October by a member of the public.

The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, is a predatory species that poses a serious threat to native pollinators including honeybees, wasps and hoverflies. Originally from east Asia, it was first detected in Europe in 2004 and has since become increasingly common in southern England. Two nests were also destroyed in Cork earlier this year.

Officials from the NIEA have launched a monitoring operation using live traps and visual surveys to determine whether the hornet was a lone individual or part of a wider presence. If further hornets are found, the agency will intensify efforts to locate and remove any nests and continue surveillance to prevent further spread.

The NIEA is working with the National Biodiversity Data Centre under the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative, drawing on recent experience from similar incursions in Cork and Cobh.

Andrew Muir, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said the species presents a serious threat to biosecurity and local ecology. He thanked the Dundonald resident who captured the hornet and urged the public to remain alert and report any sightings.

A contingency plan for Asian hornet response was published in 2020 and is currently under review alongside the broader Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Northern Ireland. The public is encouraged to report suspected sightings, ideally with a photograph, through the Asian Hornet Watch app or the CEDaR online recording platform. Suspected nests should not be disturbed but reported immediately.