Northern Giant Hornet Central
December 2022 Update: The Entomological Society of America has designated a common name for the species, Vespa mandarinia, formerly known as the Asian giant hornet. It is now called the northern giant hornet.
![Aghmicheleheck Aghmicheleheck image](/sites/scientific-discoveries/files/styles/embedded/public/media/n4af4pfr/aghmicheleheck.jpg?itok=T0T4RQYj)
Breaking News!
December 2022 - ARS Scientists are using state-of-the-art technology to dive deeper into the biology of Vespa mandarina, previously known as the Asian giant hornet and now renamed the northern giant hornet. Scientists are using mass spectrometry-based proteomics to characterize the venom glands of the northern giant hornet. By analyzing the proteins in the venom, scientists can better understand the hornet's biology and behavior and develop more effective strategies to protect people, honeybees, and agricultural crops from their aggressive attacks.
Photo: ARS Research Molecular Biologist Michelle Heck uses a mass spectrometer to conduct venom proteome analysis of the northern giant hornet.
Get Involved and Stay Connected
![Vespa Mandarinia Japonica Alpsdake Vespa Mandarinia Japonica Alpsdake image](/sites/scientific-discoveries/files/styles/embedded/public/media/ii3nq4ra/vespa_mandarinia_japonica-alpsdake.jpg?itok=wseWL9Z2)
- CHECK OUT WSDA's cool Story Map on the northern giant hornet.
- If you spot a northern giant hornet, REPORT it to WSDA.
- LEARN MORE about the northern giant hornet on the APHIS website here.
- FOLLOW USDA ARS to get the latest updates on our NGH research and findings
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[Photo: "Vespa mandarinia (Asian giant hornet) in Japan" by Alpsdake is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0]
Research on the Asian Giant Hornet
![Aghface Close up of head of Asian giant hornet](/sites/scientific-discoveries/files/styles/explore_discoveries_card_image_216x270_/public/media/43cnyfav/aghface.jpg?h=98050a10&itok=JArKeHCu)
ARS Takes On the Asian Giant Hornet
![ARS entomologist Matt Buffington working with an Asian giant hornet](/sites/scientific-discoveries/files/styles/explore_discoveries_card_image_216x270_/public/media/54ch5zby/aghbuffington.jpg?h=98050a10&itok=N9SBjhix)
Asian Giant Hornet Complete Genome Released by the Agricultural Research Service
![D4467 1 Asian giant hornet](/sites/scientific-discoveries/files/styles/explore_discoveries_card_image_216x270_/public/media/mhjpz502/d4467-1.jpg?h=98050a10&itok=FdUfTocr)
USDA Lure Attracts Live Asian Giant Hornets, Helps Lead to Nest Discovery
![Smithsonian Smithsonian NMNH Biorepository technician, Daniel DiMichele, inspecting an Asian giant hornet](/sites/scientific-discoveries/files/styles/explore_discoveries_card_image_216x270_/public/media/1s5dgrjv/smithsonian.jpg?h=98050a10&itok=fdgPE7f5)
Asian Giant Hornets Arrive for Study and Preservation at the Smithsonian Biorepository
![Aghvials Vespa mandarinia, Asian giant hornet (AGH) larve and pupa in specimen tubes](/sites/scientific-discoveries/files/styles/explore_discoveries_card_image_216x270_/public/media/zhfifode/aghvials.jpg?h=98050a10&itok=V0UiCIer)
Mapping The Asian Giant Hornet's Genome
![Serrano ARS researcher makes lures that contain known wasp and hornet attractants for use in Asian giant hornet traps.](/sites/scientific-discoveries/files/styles/explore_discoveries_card_image_216x270_/public/media/vrjdlkgh/serrano.jpg?h=98050a10&itok=D3a8o-ls)
Asian Giant Hornet Research from Coast to Coast
Image Gallery
Additional resources:
- USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- Washington State Department of Agriculture
- USDA's National Invasive Species Information Center