Further sightings of the honey bee-killing Asian hornet have been confirmed in Cornwall and east Yorkshire, experts have warned.
Work is underway to identify any nests in Hull, east Yorkshire and Liskeard, Cornwall, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.
Bee inspectors from APHA National Bee Unit are monitoring a one-to-two kilometre radius around the sightings.
The Asian hornet is smaller than the native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, but does pose a risk to honey bees.
During September the number of hornets in a nest can reach a peak, which will increase the chances of seeing an insect, Defra said.
Nicola Spence, Defra deputy director for plant and bee health, said: “These sightings in Liskeard and Hull underline the need to remain vigilant.
“I want to encourage people to look out for any Asian hornet nests and if you think you’ve spotted one, please report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”
Asian hornets were first spotted in France in 2004 and are thought to have arrived in the UK in 2016. The species was last seen in the UK in Bury, in April.
The Asian hornet is slightly smaller and darker in colour than other hornets, according to the National Bee Unit website. The fourth segment of its abdomen is yellow, while the rest is a dark colour. It also has yellow tips on its legs.
They are not to be confused with the Giant Asian hornets, which are not found in the UK.