The Asian wasp Vespa velutina nigrithorax: Entomological and allergological characteristics

Abstract

The Asian wasp, also known as the Asian predatory wasp or the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina, of the Vespa genus, Vespidae family and Hymenoptera order), was first described in 1836 by the French entomologist Amédée Louis Michel Lepeletier. This species of wasp originated from South-East Asia, in particular the region between Northern India and the Indochinese Peninsula, Taiwan and Indonesia. Due to its extreme success in colonizing new areas, V. velutina is now widespread in other continents and countries where it is considered an invasive species. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Although V. velutina Lepeletier 1836 is a well-defined wasp, up to 12 different colour variants geographically distributed throughout Asia have been identified. 11 These colouration patterns and their geographic variations are determined by genes, as have been proven with specific mitochondrial and microsatellite markers; however, the influence of developmental constraints related to crypsis, thermoregulation and aposematism has also been suggested. 11 In general, variations in colouration are a genuine visual aposematic signal that species employ to warn potential predators as a defence against being attacked or eaten. The warning signals displayed by wasps include the colour patterns of the various body segments, using light and black stripes on the abdomen, with yellow, red, black and white the most effective colours. The coloration of V. velutina varies among populations from almost entirely yellow or orange to extensively black. 12,13

Management of Double Sensitization to Vespids in Europe

“…Vespula is widely distributed across Europe, in particular Vespula germanica, which is present across the whole continent and the archipelagos, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, due to its potentially highly invasive behavior and its ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats and climates [3]. Vespa generally occupy habitats restricted to wooded and mountainous areas, but Vespa velutina, originating from eastern Asia, has widely colonized several European countries [4] and has given rise to health problems even in urban areas [5] Dolichovespula is widely distributed in Europe, but with scant presence, limited to mountain areas. Polistes is particularly abundant in the temperate areas of southern Europe and the Mediterranean, although some species of Polistes such as P. biglumis, P nimpha or P atrimandibularis are found in Russia, Poland, Scandinavia and the Baltic Republics [6].…”

Diagnosis of Hymenoptera Venom Allergy: State of the Art, Challenges, and Perspectives

“…At the beginning of the first decade of the 21st century, it was imported from China and began to spread through Western Europe. Contrary to media reports, scientific data from Europe show that this insect does not show more aggression towards humans than the other Vespidae , and the effects of its stings are similar to those of native species [ 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

What We Know About Sting-Related Deaths? Human Fatalities Caused by Hornet, Wasp and Bee Stings in Europe (1994-2016)

“…Health risks and deaths caused by the IAS Vespa velutina stings have become a public health concern. In this way Vespa velutina was identified as responsible of threequarters of the Hymenoptera anaphylaxis patients reported during the last years in northwestern Spain [59,60,61].…”