Could this be a murder hornet in Blacksburg? - Ask Extension
Killed this in our house (across the street from Blacksburg High School) today. Maybe 1.5-2 inches in length. Could it be a murder hornet? What else ...
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Could this be a murder hornet in Blacksburg? #791620
Asked May 19, 2022, 11:05 AM EDT
Killed this in our house (across the street from Blacksburg High School) today. Maybe 1.5-2 inches in length. Could it be a murder hornet? What else around here is this big? I’m keeping the specimen if you want to see it in person. Thanks.
Montgomery County Virginia
Expert Response
Hi,
Fortunately, you do not have the Asian Hornet. It is the European Hornet, Vespa crabro. It can give a painful sting but is not as dangerous as the Asian Hornet. We have some information on both species here:
https://www.ento.vt.edu/News/Asian_Giant_Hornet.html
and here:
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/2911/2911-1422/ENTO-369.pdf
I must compliment you on your excellent pictures, they made the identification easy.
I hope this information helps, please contact us if you have any questions,
Eric
Fortunately, you do not have the Asian Hornet. It is the European Hornet, Vespa crabro. It can give a painful sting but is not as dangerous as the Asian Hornet. We have some information on both species here:
https://www.ento.vt.edu/News/Asian_Giant_Hornet.html
and here:
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/2911/2911-1422/ENTO-369.pdf
I must compliment you on your excellent pictures, they made the identification easy.
I hope this information helps, please contact us if you have any questions,
Eric
