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Oliver Schick
mespilus
Dryocosmos kuriphilus has a specific adaptation for rapidly infesting a stand of sweet chestnut;
it reproduces parthogenetically.
It is very likely the original infestation in Mad Bess Wood was from a solitary female.
Hornets, knowing there is always an easy meal at a bee hive, or from roadkill carrion, are unlikely to be actively hunting/patrolling a stand of sweet chestnut.
The current hope for European sweet chestnut is the introduction of Torymus sinensis kamija.