Three models, each for a specific application:
VFT160 — the most comprehensive transmitter for intensive field work. Weighs only 160mg, runs for 32 hours at full speed and another 3 days in slow mode. Range up to 4 kilometers via drone receiver. Recoverable by magnet or selective trap. Minimum hornet weight: 300mg.
VFT110 — the versatile and sleek team member. Only 110mg, battery life up to 150 hours — ideal for prolonged monitoring or multi-day migration studies. Recoverable by magnet or selective trap.
VFT80 — the smallest in the range. Only 80mg, which also allows marking lighter individuals: lighter wasp species, but also honey bees — think drones for flight and migration studies. Lasts more than 12 hours. Non-magnetic, but recoverable via selective trap or butterfly net. This model opens the door to a wide range of entomological research beyond invasive species control.
All three are rechargeable, reusable, equipped with a unique identifier and compatible with the VespaFinder application. Installation without anesthesia, in 5 seconds.
Recover — why it matters
A transmitter costs between €49 and €98. Per location, you effectively pay only €2 to €5 — depending on the model and number of reuses. The more often you recover the transmitter, the lower the cost per nest.
Recovery can be done in three ways: via an integrated magnet (VFT160 and VFT110), via a selective trap, or via a butterfly net.
Reusability is also future-oriented: all single-use electronic devices are gradually disappearing from the European market due to the EU battery regulation (2023/1542). Disposable transmitters are no longer a sustainable option.
Locate - from smartphone to drone
VespaFinder Application: anyone with an Android or iOS smartphone can participate in the search. If you receive a signal, all other nearby users will see it too. Ideal for collective search on foot or by bike. Range: 350–550m in open terrain.
Focus Antenna for smartphone: makes your smartphone directionally sensitive and significantly strengthens reception. Particularly useful when a nest is in vegetation or in a tree and you want to protect the user. Patent pending. Range: 600-1000m in open terrain.
Portable Receiver (XR): the ultra-sensitive directional antenna for systematic field work. Signal strength displayed via 16 LEDs and tone. Easy to mount on a vehicle. Range: 1200-2200m in open terrain.
Drone Receiver (XR): the most advanced locating tool. Including software for the DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise series. Orientation is adjustable. Range up to 4 kilometers. Searching from the air dramatically increases efficiency, both in speed and coverage.