Article
Ecology
Mika Volov, Nitzan Cohen, Levona Bodner, Shahar Dubiner, Abraham Hefetz, Sofia Bouchebti, Eran Levin
Summary: The specific lipid composition of hornet bodies is highly regulated and deficient in essential PUFA, even under different climates or high Omega-3 or Omega-6 PUFA diets. The study found that environmental temperature affects hornet colonies' thermal environments, but the hornets do maintain their colony temperature within a narrow range. Different caste of hornets showed differences in unsaturation levels of body lipids, with gynes and males containing less unsaturated lipids than workers.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amina M. G. Zedan, Mohamed I. Sakran, Omar Bahattab, Yousef M. Hawsawi, Osama Al-Amer, Atif A. A. Oyouni, Samah K. Nasr Eldeen, Mohammed A. El-Magd
Summary: The study found that extracts from Vespa orientalis larvae can inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cells, induce apoptosis, suppress ROS, elevate antioxidant enzymes, inhibit migration, and downregulate inflammation. The aqueous extract showed better anticancer effects with higher antioxidant activities compared to the alcoholic extract. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in the extracts, which could be used as adjuvants for anticancer drugs and as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.
Article
Entomology
Victoria Werenkraut, Marina Paula Arbetman, Paula Nilda Fergnani
Summary: In this study, an established population of the Oriental Hornet was detected in central Chile, raising concerns about its potential spread in the Americas. By using ecological niche modelling, suitable areas for the species outside its native range were predicted, with recommendations for early warning monitoring schemes to prevent invasion.
NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Nitzan Cohen, Mika Volov, Levona Bodner, Sofia Bouchebti, Eran Levin
Summary: Temperature and precipitation have a significant impact on the distribution and body size of insects, with the Oriental hornet's standard metabolic rate and diapause metabolic rate varying between different climatic regions in Israel's Great Rift Valley. The differences in physiological responses may reflect adaptations to specific environmental conditions and seasons.
ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Antonin Hlavacek, Klara Dankova, Daniel Benda, Petr Bogusch, Jiri Hadrava
Summary: Mimicry, especially Batesian and Mullerian mimicry, has been studied in the context of Oriental hornets and other species in the Mediterranean region. The study reveals the ecological patterns of these species, including their geographical distribution, phenology, and natural history. The research suggests that temperature and the presence of alternative models may influence the accuracy of mimicry in certain species.
JOURNAL OF HYMENOPTERA RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sofia Bouchebti, Levona Bodner, Maya Bergman, Tali Magory Cohen, Eran Levin
Summary: This study investigates the effect of three dietary amino acids on the physiology and nest construction behavior of the Oriental hornet. The results show that high concentrations of beta-alanine and GABA have deleterious effects on the hornets' lifespan and construction behavior, while proline has a similar but milder effect. At low concentrations, these amino acids do not affect hornet survival but slow down the nest construction process. Moreover, beta-alanine is stored in various body tissues after consumption.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Moustafa Sarhan, Alaa M. H. El-Bitar, Amaal Mohammadein, Mohammed Elshehaby, Hak Hotta
Summary: The study showed that wasp venom from the Oriental hornet can inhibit the infectivity of HCV by blocking viral entry into cells through virucidal effect, without affecting its replication. This suggests that wasp venom could be a potential candidate for natural anti-HCV agents targeting the entry stage.
JOURNAL OF VENOMOUS ANIMALS AND TOXINS INCLUDING TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Simone Lioy, Luca Carisio, Aulo Manino, Marco Porporato
Summary: The introduction and spread of the Asian yellow-legged hornet in Europe is a concern for biodiversity conservation due to the predation of native insects and potential competition with native hornets. This study investigates the climatic niche of the invasive species and its overlap with the niches of two native Vespa species in Europe. The results show partial overlap in niches, with differences indicating potential competitive advantages for the native species in certain environments.
Article
Entomology
Cayetano Herrera, Joana F. Ferragut, Mar Leza, Jose Antonio Jurado-Rivera
Summary: The yellow-legged hornet is a social insect native to Asia and an invasive species in Europe. It causes severe damage to ecosystems by preying on pollinators, including honeybees. Genetic studies have revealed differences in the genetic structure of populations from mainland Spain and Mallorca, indicating two independent incursions. This research provides important genetic evidence for the development of effective management and prevention plans.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Cayetano Herrera, Mark Williams, Joao Encarnacao, Nuria Roura-Pascual, Bastian Faulhaber, Jose Antonio Jurado-Rivera, Mar Leza
Summary: This study demonstrates that a combination of machine learning methods and an optical sensor can effectively differentiate the yellow-legged hornet from other hymenopteran species in the laboratory. This knowledge could contribute to the development of a tool for integrated invasive alien species management programs.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Paolo Zucca, Anna Granato, Franco Mutinelli, Eliana Schiavon, Fulvio Bordin, Marco Dimech, Roberto Andrea Balbo, David Mifsud, Maurizio Dondi, Claudio Cipolat-Gotet, Marie Christin Rossmann, Metka Pislak Ocepek, Dino Scaravelli, Manlio Palei, Luca Zinzula, Kimberly Spanjol
Summary: The study reveals the threat of Vespa orientalis to honey bees and public health. They can cause significant damage to beekeeping, spread pathogens, and inflict painful stings on humans.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Levona Bodner, Sofia Bouchebti, Omar Watted, Rya Seltzer, Ariel Drabkin, Eran Levin
Summary: The study found that male Oriental hornets cannot digest protein and rely entirely on larval secretions for their nutrition, while adult workers can metabolize protein independently. Additionally, larval secretions contribute significantly to the protein uptake of both males and workers, playing a key role in maintaining the social structure of the hornet colony.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sajjad Nejabat, Mohammad Reza Haghshenas, Shirin Farjadian
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the allergenome profile (proteome of allergenic proteins) of Vespa orientalis venom in order to improve diagnostic and immunotherapeutic techniques for allergic reactions. The study identified four major allergens which may have potential medical uses for improving diagnostic specificity and the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Article
Biology
Omar Sanchez, Andres Arias
Summary: The recent invasion of Asian hornets on the Iberian Peninsula has resulted in the use of capture traps to control them, but these traps also unintentionally capture a large number of non-target insect species. This has implications for both ecosystems and human activities.
Article
Entomology
Chang-Jun Kim, Moon Bo Choi
Summary: The study suggests that yellow-throated martens may prey on invasive alien hornets Vespa velutina nigrithorax, potentially for biological control purposes.