Asian Giant Hornet

The largest hornet in the world is the Asian giant hornet, often known as the northern giant hornet or Japanese giant hornet due to its color variation. It is indigenous to South Asia, Mainland Southeast Asia, temperate and tropical East Asia, and areas of the Russian Far East. It was also discovered in the Pacific Northwest of North America in late 2019 and nests were discovered there in 2021. This raised concerns that it would spread and become an invasive species.

The scientific name Vespa mandarinia and the nickname "yak-killer hornet" are also used to refer to the Asian Giant Hornet. These enormous wasps have a lethal 6 mm stinger and can reach a length of around 5 cm. At about 7.5 cm wide, their wingspan is also unusually broad.

The venom of the Asian giant hornet is a strong mixture of neurotoxic and cytotoxic chemicals that damages tissue and produces excruciating agony. Mandaratoxin, another element of this wasp's venom, can be fatal when it comes into touch with your body if you've been stung by multiple Asian giant hornets.