The invasive insect known as the “Murder Hornet” captured public attention due to its size and threat to honeybee populations. This insect is the Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), the world’s largest hornet species. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has consistently confirmed that no established populations of the Northern Giant Hornet have been found in the state, based on ongoing surveillance efforts.
Confirmed Distribution and Current Status in North America
The Northern Giant Hornet (NGH) in North America has been confined primarily to the Pacific Northwest region. Initial confirmed sightings and subsequent nest eradications occurred in Washington State’s Whatcom County and parts of British Columbia, Canada, beginning in late 2019. This geographical isolation, thousands of miles from New York, limits natural spread to the eastern U.S.
Collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies in the Pacific Northwest have shown success. Following intensive trapping and monitoring, Washington State officials declared the NGH eradicated from the U.S. in late 2024, after three consecutive years without confirmed detections. New York remains vigilant, recognizing that long-distance movement via commercial shipping routes or human-assisted transport remains possible. The climate and habitat in New York are suitable for the NGH, necessitating continued surveillance despite its non-detection status.
Distinguishing Asian Giant Hornets from Native Species
Many reports of large, stinging insects in New York State are misidentifications of two common species: the European Hornet (Vespa crabro) and the Eastern Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus). Accurately distinguishing the Northern Giant Hornet (NGH) from these lookalikes prevents public alarm. The NGH measures approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length, making it slightly larger than the European Hornet, which is closer to 1.3 inches.
Head coloration provides a reliable visual cue. The Northern Giant Hornet possesses a large, smooth, orange-yellow head that contrasts sharply with its dark thorax. The Eastern Cicada Killer has a narrower, darker head, while the European Hornet has a smaller head with a reddish-brown coloration.
The abdomen pattern is another distinguishing feature. The Northern Giant Hornet has solid, smooth, unbroken bands of dark brown or black alternating with orange-yellow. Conversely, the European Hornet’s abdomen features distinctive, dark, teardrop-shaped markings that extend into the yellow bands. The Eastern Cicada Killer, a large native wasp, is often black with broken, non-uniform yellow markings on its abdomen.
New York State’s Monitoring and Reporting Protocol
New York State employs a specific monitoring and reporting protocol to ensure any potential incursion of the Northern Giant Hornet is quickly detected and addressed. The Department of Agriculture and Markets, along with Cornell Cooperative Extension, leads public outreach and surveillance. This effort includes distributing educational materials to help the public differentiate the NGH from native insects.
The public plays a substantial role in this early detection system. If a resident believes they have sighted a Northern Giant Hornet, they are encouraged to document the finding with clear photographs, noting the precise location and date. This information should be submitted directly to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for expert identification.
Residents must not attempt to capture or destroy the insect or its nest, as doing so could result in serious stings or compromise forensic evidence. The state relies on timely, photo-documented reports to confirm the species’ presence before deploying specialized trapping and eradication teams. Reporting through official channels ensures that qualified entomologists manage the situation safely and efficiently.