Looking at the anatomy of Vespa velutina as never seen before.

Undressing the Asian hornet

The use of the microscope opens up a whole new dimension in science. By using microscopes scientists are able to get knowledge about the existence of many things never seen before.

Using Micro computed tomography or "micro-CT" these images represents 2D (transverse, sagittal and frontal images) and 3D microscopy, where the very fine scale internal structure of Vespa velutina can be seen. Using x-ray imaging we gain high quality 3D reconstructions showing Vespa velutina in magnificent resolution.
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Working towards the objective of attaining these high resolution precise morphological measurements will hopefully help us better understand this invasive species that’s a predator of honey bees with an ability to spread from 2 nests to 10'642 in just 4 years in Galicia (Northern Spain)
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​Xesús Feás would like to thank Deputation de A Coruna for financial support to investigate new methods of controlling the Vespa velutina, in a research program carried out at the University of Santiago de Compostela. I would also like to thank Estación de Bioloxía Mariña da Grana​ for technical assistance.