Northern giant hornet is the largest hornet in the world. Workers grow up to 1 3/4 inches (4.5 centimeters) long. Queens may measure 2 1/5 inches (5.5 centimeters) long and have a wingspread of about 3 inches (7 centimeters). Northern giant hornets are aggressive and venomous (stinging). The hornet’s head is light orange with dark antennae (feelers). The insect has a dark brown thorax (middle section). Its abdomen (hind section) has dark brown, black, and orange-yellow bands. Northern giant hornets build their nests underground, often in abandoned burrows made by other animals.
Northern giant hornets have piercing jaws and a stinger that is 1/4-inch (0.5-centimeter) long. They prey on such large insects as beetles and praying mantises. After the prey is stung and killed, adult hornet workers take the insect carcasses back to the nest. The hornets grind up the dead insects and feed them to their larvae (young). The larvae, in turn, produce a nutritious liquid for the workers to eat. Adults also sometimes feed on tree sap or rotting fruit.
Northern giant hornets are also known to swarm and attack beehives to eat the honey. A scout hornet will locate a beehive and then lead groups of other giant hornets in an attack. Northern giant hornets also attack people if their nest is disturbed. Multiple stings from the hornet can cause injury or death.
The hornets are found throughout Japan and Southeast Asia. In 2019, experts identified the first northern giant hornets in North America, found by local people in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and in northwestern Washington state. The hornet is considered an invasive species in North America.
