What Are ‘Murder Hornets?' Researchers Scramble As Vicious Insect Species Found In The US

A dangerous species of insect bluntly known as “murder hornets” have been discovered in the U.S., with scientists rushing to prevent the species from spreading before it is too late.

According to a New York Times report, the hornets were first discovered in the community of Custer, Washington, roughly 60 miles southeast of Vancouver. In November, beekeeper Ted McCall of Custer found a number of his bees decapitated, a common behavior of these Asian hornets. “Murder hornets” are known to decapitate whole hives of worker bees with spiked mandibles and feed the bodies to their young. Viciously efficient, they can complete these attacks in a matter of hours.

These hornets are significantly larger than other species, with queens sometimes reaching two inches in length. While vicious to smaller prey, their venom also poses a significant threat to larger creatures, like humans. Those who have stung by these hornets have described a pain similar to hot metal poking through their skin. Additionally, they are known to be able to break through beekeeper suits and, in contrast to other species, can sting multiple times.

According to reports, 50 people are killed in Japan every year by this species, lending credence to the “murder hornet” moniker. With such a threat to bees and humans, researchers are now rushing to prevent their population from spreading to more areas.

“This is our window to keep it from establishing,” said Chris Looney, an entomologist at the Washington State Department of Agriculture. “If we can't do it in the next couple of years, it probably can't be done.”