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Asian Giant Hornet Resources
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Search HelpUSDA. ARS. Tellus.
An Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist in the Pacific Northwest has joined the hunt for the infamous Asian giant hornet (AGH) — a threat to honey bees in its native territory that could also endanger honey bees in the United States if it becomes established here. AGH is also a health concern for people with bee or wasp allergies. At roughly 2 inches in length, this invasive species from Southeast Asia is the world's largest hornet. It has distinctive markings: a large orange or yellow head and black-and-orange stripes across its body. While the hornet's sting delivers a potent venom that can cause severe reactions—and in some cases, death—in some people who are allergic to bee stings, attacks against humans are rare. AGH earned its bad reputation from the way it hunts down honey bees and other insects, primarily during the late summer months when it seeks protein to feed its young.
Washington State Department of Agriculture.
The Asian Giant Hornet Public Dashboard shares detection and trapping data. Citizen scientists were able to view detections in real time, including the number of reported sightings and number of hornets confirmed by type. Coordinating this information provided input on future trapping and demonstrated the benefit of collaboration with citizen scientists. WSDA has indicated that citizen data sharing and bottle trapping efforts are crucial to protect Washington from this invasive species.
Oregon State University. Extension Service.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Home and Garden Information Center.
University of Florida. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension.
Electronic Data Information Source Publication #EENHY-754
USDA. APHIS. PPQ. CPHST. Identification Technology Program.
In 2020, ITP received funding from the Plant Protection Act Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program to produce an identification tool for species of Vespa. ITP is working with the University of California, Davis and the American Museum of Natural History to produce a comprehensive website to support screening and identification of hornet species from around the world. Until that tool is available in late 2021, here is a set of IDaids that offer tips for identifying AGH and more as part of the effort to help protect our honeybees.
See also: Search IDaids to find identification resources for other pests and diseases that affect agriculture.
Pennsylvania State University. Cooperative Extension.
Western Governor's Association.
This article highlights the role of data in responding to the Asian giant hornet and describes how officials at the Washington State Department of Agriculture employed 'citizen scientists' and ‘cooperators’ to locate and eradicate a nest of deadly Asian giant hornets in their state.
See also: Western Governors' Association Launches Invasive Species Data Mobilization Campaign (Dec 18, 2020)
University of Georgia. Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.