9<\/p>\n The Asian hornet is an invasive species that threatens honeybeesCredit: AFP 9<\/p>\n You’re supposed to report Asian hornets if you see them in EnglandCredit: Getty 9<\/p>\n The American Bullfrog is another invasive visitor in the UK, and is known for carrying diseaseCredit: Getty<\/p>\n Here are some of the more surprising invasive species that have made their way to our green and pleasant land.<\/p>\n Asian hornets<\/p>\n The Asian hornet<\/a> has a few names, including the yellow-legged hornet and the Asian predatory wasp.<\/p>\n They’re indigenous to Southeast Asia, but they’re an invasive species in Europe<\/a> \u2013 including the UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n A queen measures about 1.2 inches long, while males come in at 0.94 inches.<\/p>\n Read more on UK surprises<\/p>\n There have been several sightings of the creature<\/a> in the UK in recent years, and at least 10 nests have been destroyed.<\/p>\n They’re known for preying on honeybees and bumblebees, so it’s important to report them if you see them<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Asian hornet isn’t aggressive, but it will defend its nest \u2013 and has a strong sting.<\/p>\n American bullfrogs<\/p>\n Americans know this critter as simply: bullfrog.<\/p>\n But we’ve had to tack the “American” on because it has made its way to the UK.<\/p>\n It’s believed to have turned up around 1999, likely due to accidental escapes.<\/p>\n How asian hornets are taking over the UK<\/p>\n And it’s a problem because it spreads a pathogen to other amphibians called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.<\/p>\n Thankfully humans aren’t affected, but it’s seen as a threat to UK wildlife.<\/p>\n Yellow-tailed scorpions<\/p>\n Even lifelong Brits may be surprised to learn that our little island is home to scorpions.<\/p>\n Specifically the European yellow-tailed scorpion, which normally lives in southern Europe and northwest Africa.<\/p>\n 9<\/p>\n These yellow-tailed scorpions glow an eerie blue when viewed under UV lightCredit: Alamy 9<\/p>\n They’re found at the Sheerness Dockyard in KentCredit: Alamy<\/p>\n But the species was accidentally introduced at the Sheerness Dockyard on Kent<\/a>‘s Isle of Sheppey (as well as parts of east London).<\/p>\n It’s believed that the scorpions arrived in the 1800s on a shipment of masonry from Italy<\/a>.<\/p>\n And there may be as many 10,000 to 15,000 of the critters here in Blighty.<\/p>\n It is venomous, but the sting is considered to be less painful than a bee.<\/p>\n Egyptian geese 9<\/p>\n Egyptian geese have a striking look \u2013 and can be found right across LondonCredit: Alamy 9<\/p>\n They’re native to the Nile Valley and Sub-Saharan AfricaCredit: Alamy<\/p>\n When you imagine a goose, you probably think of a Canada<\/a> goose (also an invader), or maybe a greylag.<\/p>\n But Britain is also home to a visitor from Africa: the Egyptian goose.<\/p>\n It turned up way back in the 17th century, introduced intentionally due to its striking looks. Fancy bird, that.<\/p>\n And now you’ll find it along the Thames (including Blackheath in London), as well as East Anglia.<\/p>\n They’re officially a non-native species, and are aggressive, known for killing waterbird chicks.<\/p>\n Parakeets<\/p>\n Another bird from far-flung lands has also sneaked into the UK: the rose-ringed parakeet.<\/p>\n It’s a bizarre sight given that they’re native to Africa and India.<\/p>\n But they’re commonly found across London<\/a> and the Home Counties.<\/p>\n 9<\/p>\n Parakeets are commonly seen (and heard) across LondonCredit: Alamy 9<\/p>\n There are now thousands of parakeets across the UK according to latest estimatesCredit: Alamy<\/p>\n How they came to England<\/a> is a mystery.<\/p>\n Some people think they escaped from a film<\/a> set in the 1950s, or that they escaped from aviaries during the Great Storm of 1987 \u2013 or potentially even earlier.<\/p>\n And there are now thousands of breeding pairs across the UK.<\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tours-central-france-asian-hornet-842909926.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/asian-giant-hornets-make-nest-581116767.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"American](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/american-bullfrog-sits-partially-submerged-986416553.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Scorpion](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2024-scorpions-living-crevices-former-986423719.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Yellow-tailed](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2023-blue-town-district-sheerness-986419865.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Egyptian](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2025-egyptian-goose-next-river-982808063.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/clapham-common-sun-shines-sunday-985224061.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/avenue-blossoming-cherry-trees-battersea-981991255.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Ring-necked](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2023-ring-necked-parakeet-gratefully-862690762.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n