STIRRED BY HORNETS

摘要

A few years ago I was ambling through the woodlands of the RSPB's Arne reserve in Dorset in pursuit of striped ladybirds. These are a fairly scarce and localised species associated with Scots pine, and Arne happens to be great for them. Suddenly, without warning, I came across some much more imposing insects: I found myself near patrolling European hornets - the largest species of social wasp native to this country, or indeed the continent. A steady stream of these chestnut-and-gold insects flew by me. They were simply mesmerising.