MOUNTING AN ECOLOGICALLY-INFORMED RESPONSE TO VESPA VELUNTINA, A NOVEL INVASIVE THREAT TO BEEKEEPING AND POLLINATORS IN THE UNITED STATES

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: ACTIVE
• Funding Source: AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1032364
• Grant No.: 2024-67013-42395
• Cumulative Award Amt.: $300,000.00
• Proposal No.: 2023-08451
• Project Start Date: Jul 1, 2024
• Project End Date: Jun 30, 2026
• Grant Year: 2024
• Program Code: [A1113]- Pollinator Health: Research and Application

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
200 D.W. BROOKS DR
ATHENS,GA 30602-5016

Performing Department
Entomology; Ecology

Non Technical Summary
In August 2023 the first confirmed population of invasive, yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) in the United States was detected by a Georgia beekeeper, near the major port of Savannah, GA. Yellow-legged hornets are a major predator of managed honey bees,Apis mellifera, where they can seriously weaken hives by intercepting returning foragers and deplete colony numbers. Yellow-legged hornets are a significant problem in other parts of their invasive range, for example France where estimates suggest that without control, up to 30% additional colony losses and €‎30million in direct annual losses to the beekeeping industry may be attributable to this invasive. The beekeeping industry is a critical part of Georgia's, and the United States', agricultural system, and is already embattled due to numerous threats. Further, yellow-legged hornets prey upon other non-Apisspecies including pollinators, threatening ecosystem function, conservation efforts, and pollination services. Control and eradication efforts are underway, led by the Georgia State Department of Agriculture. This project supports those efforts by generating invasion front forecasts, estimating possible range expansion limits, and providing economic damage assessments if control fails. Additionally, this project will begin genetically documenting the invasion biology and ecological impacts of this new invasive in Georgia, with a view to preparing for scenarios where containment fails. Finally, this project also directly supports the monitoring and eradication efforts by experimentally testing different bait-trap approaches to monitoring and nest triangulation, as well as establishing a beekeeper-led monitoring network of trained and prepared apiculturists, extension agents, and collaborating partners in neighboring states.

Animal Health Component

95%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

5%

Applied

95%

Developmental

0%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
312	3010	1070	60%
312	3110	1080	40%

Knowledge Area
312 - External Parasites and Pests of Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
3110 - Insects; 3010 - Honey bees;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology; 1080 - Genetics;

Keywords

honey bee

apiculture

control

eradication

hornet

invasion ecology

invasive

niche model

Goals / Objectives
Overall Goal:To protect US agriculture and apiculture by understanding, controlling, and eradicating the invasive yellow-legged hornet (YLH) oopulation in the United States.Objectives:Objective 11.1 Invasion Model1.2 Niche Model1.3 Economic Threat AssessmentObjective 22.0 Sample collection2.1.1 YLH Genetics - Wet Lab2.1.2 YLH Genetics - Analysis2.2.1 Metagenomics - Wet Lab2.2.2 Metagenomics - AnalaysisObjective 33.1 Establish Monitoring Network3.2 Creation & Revision of Education Materials3.3 Field Experiments3.4 Beekeeper Training3.5 Extension Agent Training

Project Methods
1.1 Invasion ModelAn invasion model will be made a top priority to inform the state Department of Agriculture response and develop targeted monitoring and training for objective 3. We anticipate using data from the various European invasion fronts (Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom) of the YLH, which are well documented1.2 Niche ModelWe will pair our invasion modelling efforts with a niche model approach to try and determine the likely maximum range of the YLH across the US and the permissiveness of that range to expansion. Species distribution models, a type of niche model, are a commonly deployed ecological tool to understand the likely and maximum possible ranges occupied by focal species [16]. Their implementation is well studied, and numerous statistical and mechanistic modelling approaches can be used based on range data from other locations (for YLHs, those locations being Europe, Japan, Korea, and the native range elsewhere in Asia). We will explore these various options, recently outlined by Sillero et al. 20232.0 Sample collectionSamples and specimens will be collected for three major purposes. YLH larvae, pupae, larval frass pellet swabs, and YLH adults will be recovered as part of their controlled destruction. A majority of larval, pupal, and adult specimens will be placed individually in 2mL microcentrifuge tubes of suitable fixative (e.g. RNALater) and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen where available, or failing the easy transport of liquid N2, supercooled ethanol and dry ice, to preserve DNA and RNA integrity long-term.A subset of these preserved samples will be processed for subobjectives 2.1 and 2.2. A second subset will be stored long-term at -80C for future work (for example, pathogen testing) as part of a pre-emptive effort to track the biology of the invasion.2.1 YLH GeneticsOne goal of this genetic testing is exploring the future development of sensitive, differential primers which allow for genetic sampling as part of detecting YLHs in the environment (for example, by swabbing honey bee hives, nectar sources such as hummingbird feeders, or deploying non-lethal bait traps)2.2 MetagenomicsTo characterize the diet of YLHs, we can concentrate on what they feed their developing larvae, as almost all active predation by vespids is in aid of feeding their growing, protein-hungry young. Metagenomics approaches used to characterize communities or the number of species a sample has been in contact with allow for this sort of testing when applied to larval frass pellets in wasp colonies , with pertinent examples in New Zealandand characterization of the diet of the invasive Vespa mandarina in Washington State using this approach. This technique has already been employed on V. velutina nests in Europe.3.1 Establish a Monitoring NetworkWe will continue our current efforts to establish a monitoring network of co-operation between beekeepers, Extension, the PI team, and the state Department of Agriculture to detect YLHs in apiaries across Georgia. We aim for this to extend into South Carolina, with a mirrored and collaborative effort led by Clemson University (see letters of collaboration).3.3 Field ExperimentsThese experiments will be simple - when YLHs are located, bait stations are deployed at multiple sites and those stations observed to ascertain the flight bearing of a fed forager returning to the nest; with multiple flight bearings, one triangulates the position of the nest. We will deploy multiple side-by-side bait stations as well as arrays of close, but separate, bait stations sporting different baits throughout the eradication effort and record the visit rate of different baits in a simple 'field choice' experiment.3.4 Beekeeper TrainingBeekeeper training will be delivered via club meetings, as well as centrally via the Georgia Beekeepers Association meetings (which happen in February and September each year). We will model this on our highly successful and long-established Master Beekeeping Program, delivered at these meetings, where the focus of training by the PI team will be on beekeepers in the affected region and training of beekeeping leaders, who can then train their local beekeeping neighbors and clubs (for example, club presidents and beekeepers at Journeyman accreditation). We already require an insect taxonomy test focusing on Hymenoptera at the Journeyman level, and will incorporate new emphasis on the YLH.3.5 Extension Agent TrainingExtension agents will be trained centrally, via the University of Georgia, by Co-PI Delaplane who holds an extension appointment and routinely delivers extension agent training. UGA has one of the most extensive and well-equipped extension systems in the United States - with dedicated extension offices and extension agents in every one of Georgia's 159 counties, arranged into 4 districts.

Progress 07/01/24 to 06/30/25

Outputs
Target Audience:PD Bartlett and team's communications activities related to the yellow-legged hornet have involved several key groups. We have worked with and continue collaborate with the Georgia Department of Agriculture leadership to coordinate communications about the invasive yellow-legged hornet response. We provides quotations for the department's press releases, photographs of collaboration for their monthly "Yellow-legged ledger", and have hosted the GA Commissioner for Agriculture Dr Tyler Harpur. We work similarly liaising with the South Carolina equivalent of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Clemson Plant Protection Services. Over 1000 credit-card "ID Reference Guides" have been delivered to the surrounding area. We continue to educate the wider public on the yellow-legged hornet has via press releases and corresponding features in news media, including interviews with Atlanta News First, MSN.com, and USA Today. Estimated media reach per University of Georgia Marketing and Communications for reporting period is over 210million people. These interviews included multiple on-camera visits to the UGA bee lab. We also communicate on this invasive with the general public through local events, such as his lab's exhibit for the annual "Insectival" at the Botanical Gardens (2024, 2025) , an activity which has now expanded to other Botanical Gardens events such as Gainesville's "FallFest" (2024). PD Bartlett has led communications with peer scientists on the yellow-legged hornet response. This has included co-authorships between himself, other UGA professors, and senior staff from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Conference proceedings at the American Bee Research Conference 2024 and 2025 centered work from this project, presented by Bartlett. PD Bartlett's policy engagement work includes interacting with legislators (Republican and Democrat) on the yellow-legged hornet work funded by NIFA, which has led to him hosting representatives of elected senators (Ossoff, Warnock) in Georgia at both the UGA lab and the Georgia Beekeepers Association. PD Bartlett has provided training to Apiary Inspectors of America (2024) as well as worked with CO-PI Delaplane to provide extension publications for education GA Extension Agents training during this reporting period. The final and largest / most emphasized target group for communication has been beekeepers in Georgia, the wider US, and internationally on the work of this project. Venues have included, during this reporting period, the Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium, American Beekeeping Federation, Georgia Beekeepers Association, South Carolina Beekeepers Association, Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association, Maryland Beekeepers Association, and local clubs including Charleston (SC) and West Palm Beach (FL) out of State, and over 15 local glubs in Georgia, with emphasis on over 3 full days of training for the "Coastal Empire Beekeepers Association" (Savannah / Chatham County) at the heart of the invasion. Estimated beekeeper reach is over 5000 across the reporting period. Communication has also been provided internationally, including in Australia to the Cope Pollination Association of Australia and Queensland Beekeepers Association. Changes/Problems:Delays to 1.1 have emerged due to Clemson PPD/DPI and GDA requiring legally formalized data sharing agreements. All sides understand the necessity and this should only yield a delay, not a prevention of completion. Objective 3.3 has become difficult to undertake at the request of GDA / their obligations to find and destroy nests as quickly as possible. Additionally, bait traps are being successfully used already minimizing urgency. PD Bartlett is pursuing using surrogate invasive species including Vespa crabro naturalised in the mainland US and working with USDA collagues in Guam on the closely related invasive Vespa tropica. No other changes or problems current. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Project has provided significant training for 2 graduate students in the Odum School of Ecology (Anna Willoughby and Daniel Gilley). AW completed significant field work, liaison and pshyical collection generation. DG has gained expertise in geneti extraction, metagenomics, and grant application. Project has provided training for 3 staff scientists Victor Flex, Lily Fulton, Jestin Freeze. VF has expanded skillsets significantly in generation of novel species distribution models and invasion analysis. LF and JF have gained singificant skills in technical support of field and molecular lab work. Project has led to collaboration with Purdue University, where posdtoctoral researcher Dr Benjamin Taylor has been afforeded opportunity to expand his bioinformatics skills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?PD Bartlett and team's communications activities related to the yellow-legged hornet have involved several key groups. We have worked with and continue collaborate with the Georgia Department of Agriculture leadership to coordinate communications about the invasive yellow-legged hornet response. We provides quotations for the department's press releases, photographs of collaboration for their monthly "Yellow-legged ledger", and have hosted the GA Commissioner for Agriculture Dr Tyler Harpur. We work similarly liaising with the South Carolina equivalent of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Clemson Plant Protection Services. Over 1000 credit-card "ID Reference Guides" have been delivered to the surrounding area. We continue to educate the wider public on the yellow-legged hornet has via press releases and corresponding features in news media, including interviews with Atlanta News First, MSN.com, and USA Today. Estimated media reach per University of Georgia Marketing and Communications for reporting period is over 210million people. These interviews included multiple on-camera visits to the UGA bee lab. We also communicate on this invasive with the general public through local events, such as his lab's exhibit for the annual "Insectival" at the Botanical Gardens (2024, 2025) , an activity which has now expanded to other Botanical Gardens events such as Gainesville's "FallFest" (2024). PD Bartlett has led communications with peer scientists on the yellow-legged hornet response. This has included co-authorships between himself, other UGA professors, and senior staff from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Conference proceedings at the American Bee Research Conference 2024 and 2025 centered work from this project, presented by Bartlett. PD Bartlett's policy engagement work includes interacting with legislators (Republican and Democrat) on the yellow-legged hornet work funded by NIFA, which has led to him hosting representatives of elected senators (Ossoff, Warnock) in Georgia at both the UGA lab and the Georgia Beekeepers Association. PD Bartlett has provided training to Apiary Inspectors of America (2024) as well as worked with CO-PI Delaplane to provide extension publications for education GA Extension Agents training during this reporting period. The final and largest / most emphasized target group for communication has been beekeepers in Georgia, the wider US, and internationally on the work of this project. Venues have included, during this reporting period, the Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium, American Beekeeping Federation, Georgia Beekeepers Association, South Carolina Beekeepers Association, Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association, Maryland Beekeepers Association, and local clubs including Charleston (SC) and West Palm Beach (FL) out of State, and over 15 local glubs in Georgia, with emphasis on over 3 full days of training for the "Coastal Empire Beekeepers Association" (Savannah / Chatham County) at the heart of the invasion. Estimated beekeeper reach is over 5000 across the reporting period. Communication has also been provided internationally, including in Australia to the Cope Pollination Association of Australia and Queensland Beekeepers Association. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Legal agreements in place with GDA, Clemson PPD to allow full data access necessary for 1.1. Submit and publish to complete 1.2. 1.3 will begin without challenge following the above. Objectives under 2 are all progressing all planned and will continue to do so. A graduate fellowship has been secured by lead graduate student Daniel Gilley to support the success of these activities. Objective 3.3 is being re-envisaged, Bartlett has proposed moving the experiments to Guam to work on vespa tropica, a comparable invasive surrogate species there. Applications have been made to secure travel funding to ameliorate this one problem objective. All other objective continue towards completion as planned.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objectives: Objective 1 1.1 Invasion Model Initiated and ongoing; pending legal agreements with GDA and Clemson PPD to access necessary data, trial models built and analysis frameworks have been developed and tested. Ready to run when data acquired. 1.2 Niche Model Generated, communicated, scientific manuscript in finalization of writing prior to submission. 1.3 Economic Threat Assessment Ongoing, requires completing of 1.2 Objective 2 2.0 Sample collection Successful and ongoing. Over 1000 samples accessioned and databased. No barriers to completion. 2.1.1 YLH Genetics - Wet Lab Complete. 2.1.2 YLH Genetics - Analysis Complete/ongoing. Mitotyping complete and published. SSRs and sequencing in analysis / bioinformatics stage (data generated). No barriers to completion. In collaboration with Purdue University (Dr BrockHarpur and Lab) 2.2.1 Metagenomics - Wet Lab Initiated, on-track. 2.2.2 Metagenomics - Analaysis Will begin once 2.2.1 finalized. Objective 3 3.1 Establish Monitoring Network Complete. 3.2 Creation & Revision of Education Materials Partially complete (created, not revised). 3.3 Field Experiments Not undertaken due to request of GDA. 3.4 Beekeeper Training Complete & ongoing. 3.5 Extension Agent Training Initiated, partially complete.

Publications

• Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hoebeke, E. Richard, et al. "First records of Vespa velutina (Lepeletier)(color form Nigrithorax)(hymenoptera: Vespidae) in North America, an invasive Pest of domesticated honeybees." Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 126.2 (2024): 193-205.