Archive · 1 Sep 2025
Asian Giant Hornet: The World's Largest Wasp and Its Threat
Imagine a wasp as big as your thumb!
That's the Asian giant hornet, the world's largest.
It lives in Asia and has a painful sting that can feel like a hot nail.
Its sting contains a strong venom.
One sting isn't usually deadly, but multiple stings can be.
This can cause severe reactions like organ failure.
These hornets aren't aggressive unless bothered.
If you see one, don't provoke it, and back away slowly.
They're also an invasive species in places like North America.
The Asian giant hornet is the world's largest wasp species.
Native to Asia, it's known for its size and potent sting.
A single sting is very painful, but multiple stings can be deadly.
The hornet's venom contains neurotoxins and tissue-destroying enzymes.
It poses a threat to human health and can harm local bee populations.
- Who
- Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia)
- What
- A large wasp species known for its painful sting and potential to cause fatalities.
- When
- 2019 and 2020 for sightings in the US Pacific Northwest
- Where
- Native to Asia; also sighted in the US Pacific Northwest
- Why
- Its sting is dangerous due to the venom cocktail containing mandaratoxin and other tissue-destroying enzymes.
- Scientific Name
- Vespa mandarinia
- Native Regions
- Asia, including Japan, China, Thailand, and South Korea
- Body Length
- Up to 5 centimeters (2 inches)
- Wingspan
- Up to 7.5 centimeters (3 inches)
- Stinger Length
- Approximately 6 millimeters
- Nickname
- "Murder Hornet"