Tracing the invasion characteristics of the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), in Korea using newly detected variable mitochondrial DNA sequences

Jeong, Jun Seong; Kim, Min Jee; Park, Jeong Sun; Lee, Keon Hee; Jo, Yong Hun; Takahashi, Junichi; Choi, Yong Soo; Kim, Iksoo

doi:10.1016/j.aspen.2021.03.004

“…In addition, the hornets are likely to experience temporary genetic bottlenecks at the local level when expanding their colonies annually. In South Korea, there is a debate on whether the yellow-legged hornet invaded from a single or several sites 19 . In our study, although many hornets and nests were observed at relatively lower altitudes, their genetic structure did not show altitude-specific patterns.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic and morphological variation of Vespa velutina nigrithorax which is an invasive species in a mountainous area

Do

¹

,

Park

²

,

Park

³

et al. 2022

Sci Rep

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The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is an invasive species in South Korea with negative economic, ecological, and public health impacts. We investigated genetic and morphological variation in the species populations on Mt. Jiri, the tallest mountain in South Korea. We hypothesized that a high-altitude would be negatively correlated with the genetic diversity of the hornet population, and hornet wing morphology would change with an increase in altitude. Our results showed that the genetic diversity of yellow-legged hornets did not decrease as altitude increased. Regardless of the altitude, the inbreeding coefficient was high at the newly colonized sites. A single genetic population occurred in the mountainous areas examined and gradually expanded its range. Wing morphology, especially shape, did not change with an increase in altitude or decrease in temperature. Although snow cover and cool temperatures at high altitudes could limit nest-building activities, they did not prevent the extension of the range of the species. Therefore, the yellow-legged hornet cannot be controlled naturally by climate or topography; combined approaches, including chemical control, nest removal, and bait-trapping techniques should be implemented.

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“…In addition, the hornets are likely to experience temporary genetic bottlenecks at the local level when expanding their colonies annually. In South Korea, there is a debate on whether the yellowlegged hornet invaded from a single or several sites [15]. If the yellow-legged hornet was introduced from various sites and dispersed in many directions, populations with different genetic structures should be observed on Mt.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic and Morphological Variation of Vespa Velutina Nigrithorax, an Invasive Species in Mountainous Areas

Do

¹

,

Park

²

,

Park

³

et al. 2021

Preprint

0

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The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is an invasive species in South Korea with negative economic, ecological, and public health impacts. We investigated genetic and morphological variation in the species populations on Mt. Jiri, the tallest mountain in South Korea. We hypothesized that a high-altitude would be negatively correlated with the genetic diversity of the hornet population, and hornet wing morphology would change with an increase in altitude. Our results showed that the genetic diversity of yellow-legged hornets did not decrease as altitude increased. Regardless of the altitude, the inbreeding coefficient was high at the newly colonized sites. A single genetic population occurred in the mountainous areas examined and gradually expanded its range. Wing morphology, especially shape, did not change with an increase in altitude or decrease in temperature. Although snow cover and cool temperatures at high altitudes could limit nest-building activities, they did not prevent the extension of the range of the species. Therefore, the yellow-legged hornet cannot be controlled naturally by climate or topography; combined approaches, including chemical control, nest removal, and bait-trapping techniques should be implemented.

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“…From the site of introduction, the species spread northwards at a rate of 10-20 km per year [59]. Independent introductions probably helped V. velutina to spread into South Korea [60].…”

Section: Alien Range In Asiamentioning

confidence: 99%

The invasive hornet Vespa velutina : distribution, impacts and management options

Lioy

¹

,

Cinzia

²

,

Porporato

³

2022

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The Asian yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina is an invasive alien species introduced and widespread in several countries of Europe and Asia. Its diffusion generates relevant environmental and socio-economic impacts. Environmental impacts include threats to the native insect biodiversity and the pollination ecosystem services. Socio-economic impacts include threats to the apiculture sector, economic consequences for the adoption of management strategies, social concern and health issues. Different options were developed and adopted for (i) preventing the introduction of V. velutina , (ii) early detecting its presence, (iii) eradicating populations at the initial stage of invasion or (iv) controlling populations for limiting and mitigating its impacts. The aim of this review was to provide an updated overview about the distribution, impacts and options for managing V. velutina populations, through a literature review of the published academic documents. Moreover, this study highlights that some topics received little attention (impacts of V. velutina on the biodiversity, on the pollination ecosystem services, on the economy) or require further research efforts (effective control methods for V. velutina ); therefore, future research should be directed towards filling these gaps of knowledge.

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Tracing the invasion characteristics of the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), in Korea using newly detected variable mitochondrial DNA sequences

Cited by 9 publications

References 68 publications

Genetic and morphological variation of Vespa velutina nigrithorax which is an invasive species in a mountainous area

Genetic and morphological variation of Vespa velutina nigrithorax which is an invasive species in a mountainous area

Genetic and Morphological Variation of Vespa Velutina Nigrithorax, an Invasive Species in Mountainous Areas

The invasive hornet Vespa velutina : distribution, impacts and management options

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