The spread of Vespa velutina continues in the US. This week, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture confirmed the first detection of the yellow-legged hornet in the state, in the town of Matthews. Until now, in the US, Vespa velutina had been detected in Georgia—where it was first identified—and in South Carolina.

The discovery demonstrates the hornet’s ability to spread easily and raises concerns among beekeepers and researchers. Monitoring and control plans have already been put in place to limit the hornet’s spread.

Go to the official statement here.