Bridging biodiversity and beekeeping: exploring the impacts of the Yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) in Flanders

Pollination as a fundamental ecosystem service is essential for sustaining terrestrial ecosystems and global food production. However, this service is threatened by various factors, including invasive alien species. The Yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is such an invasive species that invaded
Flanders in 2017, posing putative threats to biodiversity and pollination. The species predates on various native insects, yet the impact of this predation on native pollinator populations remains unclear. Additionally, the hornet’s behavior creates a \landscape of fear\ which deters native pollinators from their foraging sites and impacts flower visitation and pollination efficiency. With respect to populations of managed honeybees, the hornet's predation pressure induces a stress response, causing foraging paralysis which ultimately leads to increased mortality and economic losses. Through this research, we aim to understand the impact of the Yellow-legged hornet on biodiversity and beekeeping practices in Flanders. This will be achieved by:
(i) developing a predictive model for estimating future nest densities in Flanders under different management strategies,
(ii) exploring the prey spectrum and plant-pollinator network of V. velutina, and
(iii) assessing the impact on colony development of honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) with innovative monitoring techniques measuring weight, temperature, sound, and the presence of Asian hornets.