US Eradicated Northern Giant Hornet

• 24 Dec 2024

Source: IE 

The Northern giant hornet, nicknamed the murder hornet, has been successfully eradicated in the US. 

• Northern Giant Hornet: 
  • The Northern giant hornet (Vespa Mandarinia) is the largest hornet (wasp) in the world, measuring up to 2 inches long. 
    • A wasp is a type of insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants. 
  • It has a large, solid yellow or orange head with black eyes. 
  • It is native to Asia and was first spotted in Washington state near the Canadian border in 2019. 
  • It poses a significant threat to insects and native pollinators which can kill an entire beehive (bees habitat) of honeybees in just 90 minutes. 
    • It can even kill people as it delivers seven times more venom than a honey bee and can sting multiple times. 
  • They usually build their nests in forested areas, often in an underground cavity. 

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