08/28/2026
Meet the Yellow-Legged Hornet (Vespa velutina), an invasive species for South Carolinians to keep an eye out for.
Originally from Southeast Asia, this hornet was first detected in North America near Savannah, Georgia, in 2023. It is a predator of other bees and wasps, including honeybees, making early detection especially important for protecting our pollinators.
Identification:
• A mostly dark/black body
• A broad orange-yellow band on the abdomen
• Distinctive yellow tips on the legs
• A dark head with an orange face
But don’t jump to conclusions! Several native and non-native insects can look similar. Use Clemson’s look-alike resources to help distinguish a suspected yellow-legged hornet from other species. https://www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/plant-industry/invasive/ylh-quick-guide.html
Think you’ve spotted one? Take a photo from a safe distance and report the sighting to Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry. Do not disturb a nest or attempt to capture the insect yourself. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/4654e1d5a6be4b47aa7acd2ff0a357cf
Want to stay informed? Clemson’s Hornet Herald provides updates about yellow-legged hornet detection and response efforts in South Carolina. https://blogs.clemson.edu/regulatory/category/yellow-legged-hornet/
Being able to recognize invasive species is an important part of protecting our local ecosystems!
Photo Credit: Guillame Souvan/AFP/Getty Images
