Invasive ‘Murder Hornets’<br />Species Spotted in the United States Researchers in Washington<br />have recently been tracking<br />the arrival of an invasive hornet<br />in the United States. Also known as “murder hornets,” these giant<br />insects are commonly found in Asia and have<br />not ever been seen before in the USA. According to Susan Cobey, a bee breeder at<br />Washington State University, these hornets are almost<br />comically large, growing up to two inches long. Susan Cobey, via Slate They’re reportedly vicious, with one beekeeper<br />likening the experience of being stung to "having<br />red-hot thumbtacks being driven into [his] flesh." In some cases, the toxic venom released by the hornets<br />is the equivalent of a venomous snake and can be deadly. While most people are worried about being<br />stung, officials are more worried about their possible<br />decimation of bee populations in the USA. Murder hornets use their spiked mandibles to decapitate<br />bees and feed on their bodies. They have the power to decimate entire honeybee hives in only a matter of hours. Chris Looney, WSDA,<br />to ‘NYT’
