"Bumblebees Unleash Top-Tier Combat Skills to Defeat Asian Hornets"
New research from the University of Exeter reveals that bumblebees have top-tier combat skills when targeted by Asian hornets. The study found that buff-tailed bumblebees drop to the ground when attacked by hornets, carrying the pests down with them. Hornets lose their grip during the fall or the bee fights back until the hornet gives up. The researchers witnessed 120 attacks, with the bee successfully defending itself each time. Asian hornets, also known as yellow-legged hornets, are invasive pests that have spread across mainland Europe and parts of Asia, and have recently been spotted in the US. The findings highlight the importance of protecting pollinators like bees from these threats.