Researchers in Spain are urgently searching for the nest of southern giant hornets, a species found in Europe for the first time.

Known for destroying beehives in hours, these “murder hornets” were spotted twice in Asturias province, with the first sighting in 2022.

Likely introduced via cargo ships, their presence threatens native ecosystems and pollination-dependent crops.

The hornets, which nest underground, are difficult to locate.

Lead researcher Omar Sanchez warns their arrival could worsen damage already caused by another invasive Asian hornet species, NBC News has reported.

DNA testing confirmed the hornets’ identity, marking a critical step toward containment efforts.

Written by B.C. Begley