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