A PREDATORY species of hornet has been seen in Poole after a confirmed sighting was reported from a ferry.

An Asian hornet was identified and photographed by a passenger on board the MS Barfleur ferry while it was docked in Poole ahead of a trip to Cherbourg.

The East Dorset Beekeepers Association (EDBA) has said this is the third confirmed case of the hornet species being found in the UK this year. 

The previous two were reported in Kent and Northumberland – which has raised concerns for the country's honey bee population.

The yellow-legged hornet is non-native to the UK and originates from South East Asia.

South West Farmer: Asian hornet photographed on a ferry in PooleAsian hornet photographed on a ferry in Poole (Image: East Dorset Beekeepers Association)

Also known as the Asian Predatory Wasp, the insect can consume 50 honey bees a day, with a swarm of insects capable of killing a hive of 30,000.

The hornet has distinctive yellow legs, a velvet brown or black body and its abdomen is almost entirely dark except for a dark yellow segment, according to the Asian Hornet Action Team.

Read more: Asian hornets from metre wide nest fight back - after 28 hours in freezer

Following the Poole sighting, EDBA Asian hornet coordinator, Mark White, said: “We think it’s an isolated incident, but that isn’t known for sure.

“We’re hoping it decided to stay on the ferry, but there’s always that risk it flew off and onto the mainland to source a nest.

“But they are a major issue for the bee population as they have a unique predatory instinct.”

South West Farmer: A trap in Poole set up to catch Asian hornetA trap in Poole set up to catch Asian hornet (Image: East Dorset Beekeepers Association)

Mark and his colleagues at the EDBA have set up yellow traps around Poole town and Hamworthy to try and catch the hornet(s).

The traps contain a red chemical bait that is harmless to humans.

Asian hornets are not usually aggressive towards people unless provoked. Anyone stung is advised to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cool water.

The EDBA said: “We need you to be our eyes and ears, if you suspect you have seen one or caught one please report it to the National Bee Unit on alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk or better still download the Asian Hornet Watch app.”