Asian Giant Hornet Information

The most common species in Massachusetts that is confused with the Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is the European Hornet (Vespa crabro). In the picture on this page, the European Hornet is on the left, and the Northern Giant Hornet is on the right. Note the distinct coloration difference on the abdomen; the European Hornet has black tear-drop shapes entering in the yellow bands, whereas the Northern Giant Hornet has more uniform color bands - this will be the easiest way to tell them apart.

The following links will help you identify the species of bee/wasp that you have found, and will help to rule out the possibility of it being a Northern Giant Hornet.

• USDA APHIS - Northern Giant Hornet
• Northern Giant Hornet - Vermont Invasives (vtinvasives.org)
• If you believe you have found a Northern Giant Hornet, please report it.