The insect commonly known as the “murder hornet” is known scientifically as the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), the largest hornet species. Its substantial size and predatory nature garnered attention. While the nickname “murder hornet” became popular in media, entomologists adopted the name “northern giant hornet” in 2022 to avoid discriminatory language.
Physical Characteristics
A queen measures over 5 cm (2 inches) in body length, with a wingspan exceeding 7.6 cm (3 inches). Worker hornets are somewhat smaller, typically ranging from 3.5 to 4.0 cm long.
Their appearance includes a broad, light orange or yellow head and dark brown to black eyes. Its antennae are brown with a yellow-orange base. Its thorax is dark brown, and the abdomen displays alternating bands of black or dark brown and orange or yellow stripes. Its large orange mandible contains a black tooth used for digging. Females have a stinger approximately 6 mm (0.25 inches) long, capable of injecting a potent venom.
Predatory Behavior and Ecological Impact
It primarily hunts medium to large-sized insects. Its predatory behavior poses a significant threat to honeybee colonies, including both European honeybees (Apis mellifera) and native bee species. A single hornet can kill many bees, and a small group can decimate an entire beehive within hours.
The hornet’s attack on a bee colony often involves a “slaughter phase” where typically 2 to 50 hornets target a hive. During this phase, the hornets systematically kill adult bees, often leaving their bodies outside the hive entrance. After decimating the adult bee population, hornets harvest bee larvae and pupae to feed their young in their nest. This behavior can severely impact pollinator populations, crucial for agriculture and ecosystem health.
Geographic Origin and Management Efforts
The Asian giant hornet is native to East Asia, ranging across temperate and tropical regions including Japan, China, Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia and the Russian Far East. It prefers habitats in low mountains and forested areas, often building nests underground by co-opting rodent tunnels or utilizing spaces near tree roots. The species was first detected in North America in late 2019 in British Columbia, Canada, and subsequently in Washington State.
The appearance of this hornet in non-native regions raised concerns about its potential to become an invasive species. In response, authorities have implemented management and eradication efforts to prevent its establishment and spread. These efforts include extensive trapping programs to detect and monitor populations, as well as the destruction of identified nests. Despite initial sightings and nest findings, the hornet was reportedly eradicated from the Pacific Northwest by December 2024.