Asian Giant Hornet
Vespa mandarinia
Quick answer
The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet in the world, with queens reaching about 5 cm (2 in) long and a wingspan near 7.5 cm (3 in). Native to East and Southeast Asia, it is a powerful predator that hunts other insects, including honey bees, to feed its larvae. Its sting is painful and its venom potent, though it is not normally aggressive toward people unless its nest is disturbed.
Asian Giant Hornet facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Vespa mandarinia |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (insects, especially other bees and wasps) |
| Habitat | Forests and low mountains |
| Lifespan | Workers a few weeks; queens about a year |
| Length | 3.5–5 cm (1.4–2 in) |
| Wingspan | Up to about 7.5 cm (3 in) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae |
| Genus | Vespa |
Where it lives
Forests and low mountains of East and Southeast Asia; the world's largest hornet.
Size and appearance
The Asian giant hornet is a formidable insect, with queens growing to about 5 cm (2 in) long and large orange heads with prominent jaws. Its body is banded in orange and dark brown, and its wingspan can approach 7.5 cm (3 in). This size makes it the largest hornet species in the world.
Diet and hunting
These hornets are predators that hunt large insects, including other wasps, mantises, and especially honey bees, which they carry back to feed their larvae. A small group can raid a honey bee hive, decapitating thousands of bees to claim the nest and its brood. Adult hornets themselves feed largely on sugary fluids from prey and sap.
Sting and venom
The Asian giant hornet has a long stinger and potent venom that makes its sting very painful. While a single sting is rarely dangerous to a healthy adult, multiple stings can be serious, and people who are allergic are at higher risk. The hornet usually stings only when it or its nest is threatened.
Habitat and range
The Asian giant hornet is native to the forests and low mountains of East and Southeast Asia, including Japan, China, and Korea. It typically nests underground, often in abandoned rodent burrows or among tree roots. Sightings outside its native range have prompted monitoring because of its potential impact on local bees.
Frequently asked questions about the Asian Giant Hornet
How big is the Asian giant hornet?
Queens can reach about 5 cm (2 in) long with a wingspan near 7.5 cm (3 in), making it the largest hornet in the world. Workers are somewhat smaller but still much bigger than common wasps.
What do Asian giant hornets eat?
They are predators that hunt other large insects, including wasps, mantises, and honey bees, to feed their larvae. Adults themselves feed largely on sugary fluids such as sap and the juices of their prey.
Are Asian giant hornets dangerous to humans?
Their sting is painful and the venom is potent, and many stings can be dangerous, especially to people who are allergic. They are not usually aggressive toward people, though, and tend to sting only when their nest is disturbed.
Do Asian giant hornets really kill honey bees?
Yes. A small group of hornets can raid a honey bee colony and kill thousands of bees to take the nest and feed on the brood. This is a serious threat to honey bees that lack defenses against them.
Where do Asian giant hornets live?
They are native to the forests and low mountains of East and Southeast Asia, including parts of Japan, China, and Korea. They usually nest underground in old burrows or among tree roots.
How long do Asian giant hornets live?
Worker hornets live a few weeks, while a queen can live about a year. The colony dies off as winter approaches, and only newly mated queens survive to start fresh nests.
