Quantitative analysis of research topics and public concern on V. velutina as invasive species in Asian and European countries

Abstract

We analyzed the research topics and public concern on Vespa velutina as an invasive species in Asian and European countries quantitatively though digitized texts such as scientometrics and conservation culturomics. We collected 126 scientific publications of V. velutina published during the last three decades, and 423 news articles on V. velutina in South Korea. In total, 22 countries have contributed to scientific research on V. velutina. Research topics were clearly classified to studies on taxonomy and invasion of V. velutina. In South Korea, people have recognized the ecological and health impact of V. velutina. Although scientific and public interest in V. velutina has increased since 2000, research topics may be narrow and information of news articles may be simple. To achieve the sustainable management of V. velutina, multilateral studies including environmental, social, and economic research on V. velutina are necessary.

Nutritional Value of the Larvae of the Alien Invasive Wasp Vespa velutina nigrithorax and Amino Acid Composition of the Larval Saliva

“…Invasion of V. v. nigrithorax is a momentous ecological issue to Europe and East Asia now. Since the first invasion of V. v. nigrithorax into South Korea in 2003, it has spread throughout the country [1,5,[14][15][16], and invaded Europe [17] and Japan [18]. V. v. nigrithorax have a serious economic impact as they hunt honeybees in apiaries [2,19] and a public health impact as they sting people in urban areas [1].…”

Foraging behavior of an invasive alien hornet (Vespa velutina) at Apis mellifera hives in Korea: Foraging duration and success rate

“…Vespa velutina, which originated in southern China, invaded along two routes, through Northeast Asia, and Europe. In Northeast Asia, it spread through South Korea (Do et al 2019;Kim et al 2006) to Japan (Sakai & Takahashi 2014;Ueno 2014). In Europe, it has spread to approximately 10 countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Italy (Arca et al 2015;Budge et al 2017;Haxaire et al 2006).…”

“…In Northeast Asia, it spread through South Korea (Do et al . 2019; Kim et al . 2006) to Japan (Sakai & Takahashi 2014; Ueno 2014).…”

Interspecific hierarchies from aggressiveness and body size among the invasive alien hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, and five native hornets in South Korea

“…Vespa velutina nigrithorax , originating in southern China, has spread throughout South Korea since its first invasion in 2003, where it was introduced through trade ships [ 8 , 19 – 21 ]. After invading Tsushima Island in Japan in 2012, V .…”