Is the ‘Murder Hornet’ Here? No, but Let’s Identify That Giant Wasp You Saw
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Collapse ▲The phrase “Murder Hornet” evokes serious concern, but here in Henderson County, we want to assure the public with the latest facts from NC State Extension: The Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is NOT established in North Carolina at this time.
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Since the species was identified in the Pacific Northwest several years ago, our Extension office has received an increase in calls about large, stinging insects. We understand these insects can be intimidating, but the vast majority of what you are seeing are large, beneficial, or long-established native insects.
The key to reducing anxiety is proper identification.
By Matt Bertone, PhD NC State
What You Are Most Likely Seeing in Western NC
If you have spotted a very large wasp, it is almost certainly one of the following species, all of which are native or well-established in our area and play a role in our ecosystem:
Eastern Cicada Killer, Sphecius speciosus
1. The Eastern Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus)
- What it looks like: This is the most common insect mistaken for the Northern Giant Hornet. They are very large, reaching up to 1.5 inches long, with black bodies and striking yellow markings.
- Why they seem scary: They often fly low to the ground and aggressively around burrows in lawns and gardens.
- The Reassurance: Cicada Killers are solitary wasps, meaning they do not defend a social hive. They are typically harmless to humans and are primarily focused on paralyzing cicadas to feed their young. Unless you try to catch one bare-handed, a sting is extremely unlikely.
European Hornet, Vespa crabro
2. The European Hornet (Vespa crabro)
- What it looks like: About 1 to 1.5 inches long, they have reddish-brown and yellow markings. They are similar in shape to a yellowjacket but much larger.
- Why they seem scary: They are active at night and are attracted to light, which can bring them indoors. They also build large, paper nests, often in tree hollows or wall voids.
- The Reassurance: They have been in North Carolina since the 1800s. While they can sting and may defend their nest aggressively, they are a manageable pest, no more dangerous than a standard yellowjacket or hornet colony.
Key Differences: What the Northern Giant Hornet Looks Like
If you suspect you have seen a Northern Giant Hornet, here is what to look for—and the major distinguishing features that set it apart from our native insects:
| Feature | Northern Giant Hornet (V. mandarinia) | Common NC Insects (Cicada Killer, etc.) |
| Size | The largest hornet in the world, up to 2 inches long. | Typically 1.5 inches or less. |
| Head | Exceptionally large, distinctly orange or yellow. | Usually dark or the same color as the body. |
| Thorax | Solidly dark brown/black. | May have some color variation, often black. |
| Abdomen | Striped with smooth, clean bands of brown and yellow/orange. | Markings tend to be more spotted or broken up (e.g., Cicada Killer). |
Our Action Plan: Remain Calm, Report Suspects
While the immediate threat to human safety from this insect is minimal (they generally only sting when highly provoked or when defending their nest), the greater concern is the potential devastating impact on our commercial honeybee populations and local beekeepers.
We ask residents to take three simple steps:
- Do Not Panic: Remember, they are not confirmed to be here.
- Do Not Kill: Please do not kill any large wasp you see. You may be destroying a beneficial native insect like a Cicada Killer.
- Take a Picture: If you find an insect that truly matches the description of the Northern Giant Hornet, take clear pictures without getting close to the insect.
If you believe you have found a Northern Giant Hornet, please contact our experts immediately. Do not attempt to capture the insect or handle it.
Contact the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Henderson County Center:
- Email Steve Pettis at Steve_Pettis@ncsu.edu
- Consult the NC State Extension Entomology website for detailed comparisons: A Side by Side Comparison of the Northern Giant Hornet and Other Insects