During British summertime, wasps and other insects are a constant underlying presence. But while the British wasps that usually join us on our picnics are simply an irritant, there is another type of wasp that presents a slightly more dangerous proposition...
What’s the biggest hornet in the world?
The Asian giant hornet takes the title of the largest wasp in the world, with a body length of approximately 4cm, and a wingspan of up to 7cm. It also has a 6mm stinger, which enables the hornet to inject venom into anything that threatens it.
It’s also known as the ‘murder hornet’, in reference to its powerful mandibles, which can slice through prey. The Asian giant hornet can decapitate bees and destroy an entire hive.
Has it ever been seen in Britain?
While the Asian giant hornet hasn’t been confirmed in the UK, there have been sightings of its smaller relative, the Asian hornet. Also known as the yellow-legged hornet, the Asian hornet is an invasive species and poses a threat to native species and UK ecosystems.
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Top image: Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) © Yasunori Koide, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons