Northern Giant Hornet Central
December 2022 Update: The Entomological Society of America has designated a common name for the species, Vespa mandarinia, formerly known as the Asian giant hornet. It is now called the northern giant hornet.
Breaking News!
December 2022 - ARS Scientists are using state-of-the-art technology to dive deeper into the biology of Vespa mandarina, previously known as the Asian giant hornet and now renamed the northern giant hornet. Scientists are using mass spectrometry-based proteomics to characterize the venom glands of the northern giant hornet. By analyzing the proteins in the venom, scientists can better understand the hornet's biology and behavior and develop more effective strategies to protect people, honeybees, and agricultural crops from their aggressive attacks.
Photo: ARS Research Molecular Biologist Michelle Heck uses a mass spectrometer to conduct venom proteome analysis of the northern giant hornet.
Featured Videos
Northern Giant Hornet - Up Close and Personal – Promo
What if the Northern Giant Hornet Becomes Established in North America?
Northern Giant Hornet Q&A Webinar
Dissecting the northern giant hornet
Slow motion of three hawking Asian hornets, one catches bee.
Get Involved and Stay Connected
- CHECK OUT WSDA's cool Story Map on the northern giant hornet.
- If you spot a northern giant hornet, REPORT it to WSDA.
- LEARN MORE about the northern giant hornet on the APHIS website here.
- FOLLOW USDA ARS to get the latest updates on our NGH research and findings
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[Photo: "Vespa mandarinia (Asian giant hornet) in Japan" by Alpsdake is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0]
Research on the Asian Giant Hornet
ARS Takes On the Asian Giant Hornet
Asian Giant Hornet Complete Genome Released by the Agricultural Research Service
USDA Lure Attracts Live Asian Giant Hornets, Helps Lead to Nest Discovery
Asian Giant Hornets Arrive for Study and Preservation at the Smithsonian Biorepository
Mapping The Asian Giant Hornet's Genome
Asian Giant Hornet Research from Coast to Coast
Image Gallery
Close up of head of Asian giant hornet
Lateral view of an Asian giant hornet
ARS research entomologist, Matt Buffington and Smithsonian NMNH Biorepository technician, Daniel DiMichele, inspect an Asian giant hornet.
ARS researcher Matt Buffington working with an Asian giant hornet
An Asian giant hornet
ARS entomologist Matt Buffington
Vespa mandarinia, Asian giant hornet (AGH) larve and pupa in specimen tubes
ARS researcher Matt Buffington working with an Asian giant hornet
An Asian giant hornet
Additional resources:
- USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- Washington State Department of Agriculture
- USDA's National Invasive Species Information Center
