Vespa mandarinia, the infamous northern giant hornet, formerly known as Asian giant hornet. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung).
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.
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- CHECK OUT WSDA's cool Story Map on the northern giant hornet.
- If you spot a northern giant hornet, REPORT it to WSDA.
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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 northern giant hornet
August 6, 2020
Asian Giant Hornet Complete Genome Released by the Agricultural Research Service
Learn more
October 29, 2020
USDA Lure Attracts Live Asian Giant Hornets, Helps Lead to Nest Discovery
Learn more
November 17, 2020
Asian Giant Hornets Arrive for Study and Preservation at the Smithsonian Biorepository
Learn moreImage Gallery
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At roughly 2 inches in length, this invasive species from Southeast Asia is the world’s largest hornet.
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ARS research entomologist, Matt Buffington (lt), and Smithsonian NMNH Biorepository technician, Daniel DiMichele, inspect an northern giant hornet from Nest Zero. (ARS photo by Stephen Ausmus).
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USDA ARS Systematic Entomology Laboratory Research Entomologist Matthew L. Buffington works with a northern giant hornet. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung).
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The northern giant hornet has distinctive markings: a large orange or yellow head and black-and-orange stripes across its body. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung).
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ARS research entomologist, Matthew L. Buffington. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung).
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From left, Vespa mandarinia, northern giant hornet larve and pupa in specimen tubes at the USDA ARS Systematic Entomology Laboratory. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung).
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USDA ARS Systematic Entomology Laboratory Research Entomologist Matthew L. Buffington works with an northern giant hornet, formerly known as Asian giant hornet. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung).
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If northern giant hornets were to become established in Washington State, it could pose a serious threat to the beekeeping industry. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung).
