Dept of Natural Science

The Asian giant hornet, or Vespa mandarinia, in the United States, has left many people asking a burning question: “How many people each year die from Giant Asian Hornet attacks?” In truth, while the giant hornet possesses a formidable sting, the media portrayal of these insects as ‘murder hornets’ often tends to inflate the level … Read more

Introduction The Northern giant hornet is a dangerous invasive species that threaten our local ecosystems, especially honeybees. Tracking and monitoring these hornets is crucial to prevent them from spreading further. By using technology and the help of citizen scientists, we can work together to protect our environment from these unwelcome invaders. GPS Tracking and Remote … Read more

The world’s largest hornet, Vespa mandarinia, has been causing concerns among environmentalists and beekeepers since it was discovered in the Pacific Northwest in 2019. Known for its size, painful sting, and ability to decimate hives in mere hours, the insect has been popularly referred to as the “Asian giant hornet” or the “murder hornet.” However, … Read more

Introduction Asian giant hornets are known for aggressive behavior, and the ability to destroy honeybee colonies. In recent years, they have recently invaded North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada. The emergence of killer hornets is a cause for concern. They pose a significant risk to local ecosystems, agriculture, … Read more

So exactly, what are Asian giant hornets, and why are they dangerous? The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), often known as the “giant hornet” or “giant sparrow wasp,” is very prevalent in many regions of Asia. It was common to see them in the mountains outside of Tokyo years ago. What is the Asian giant … Read more

The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), also called the Asian Killer Hornet or Japanese giant hornet is the world’s largest hornet. It is native to temperate and tropical Southeast Asia, and parts of the Russian Far East. It is also found in the Pacific Northwest of North America as of late 2019, with additional sightings in 2020 and 2021, drawing concern that it … Read more

Just when we thought murder hornets had faded from the headlines for good, they’re back again and deadly as ever. In recent days, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first report of a live Asian giant hornet. Also known as murder hornets for their tendency to, you know, murder honeybees, humans, and other insects—in … Read more