European Hornet vs. Asian Giant Hornet

Written by Kyle Glatz
Published: October 16, 2022
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One problem that emerges when scientists are trying to find an invasive species is when it looks similar to another established species. The European hornet happens to look like the Asian giant hornet, also called the murder hornet. Before you get too concerned about a dead hornet you’ve found, it’s important to know how these creatures are different. That’s why we’re going to compare the European hornet vs. Asian giant hornet. By the time we’re finished, you’ll be able to tell the two hornets apart so you know when you should and shouldn’t report an interaction with a large insect.

Comparing European Hornet vs. Asian Giant Hornet

European HornetAsian Hornet
Size– Measures 1 to 1.5 inches long with a wingspan of roughly 2 inches– Measures 1.5 to 2.25 inches long with a wingspan of 3 inches
SpeciesVespa crabro
Only true hornet in the U.S. from the Vespa genus, unless AGHs take root
Vespa mandarinia
Also called the “murder hornet”
Morphology and Coloration– C-shaped eyes
– Yellow face with reddish-brown thorax
– Long antennae that are usually dark
– Mostly yellow abdomen with some dark bands with teardrop-shaped patterns running below the band
– Reddish-brown or orangish-brown wings
– C-shaped eyes  
– Triangular head
– Large, dark antennae
– Brown thorax
– Orange head
– Brown-tinted wings
– Striped abdomen with black or dark brown and yellow-orange colors  
Range– Originated in Europe and parts of Asia
– Found in most of western Europe, Russia, Mongolia, China, and
– Introduced to Canada and the United States
– Typically lives in the eastern half of the continental United States and southern, eastern parts of Canada
– Primarily found in Asia
– Has entered the western United States and Canada
– Commonly found in Japan
– Also found in Russia, China, Laos, Thailand, India, Nepal, Vietnam, and others
Sting Potency and Impact on Humans– Sting can be somewhat painful – Allergic reactions are rare
– An allergic reaction can cause changes in heartbeat, headache, breathing difficulties, and more
– Has a very large stinger that measures 1/4 inch long
– Introduces a neurotoxin into a victim
– Multiple stings from many hornets can cause deaths
– The amount of venom combined with its potency is dangerous
– May kill upwards of 50 people per year due to multiple stings or allergies

The 5 Key Differences Between European Hornets and Asian Giant Hornets

Asian Giant Hornet

While most hornets are about an inch long, the Asian giant hornet, the world’s largest hornet, can grow to double that.

©iStock.com/kojihirano

The greatest differences between a European hornet and an Asian giant hornet can be found in their size and coloration. Asian giant hornets are far larger than European hornets, measuring up to 2.25 inches long with a wingspan of 3 inches while the European hornet grows to 1.5 inches long with a 2-inch wingspan.

The Asian giant hornet has an orange color on parts of its body, but the European hornet is yellow. The European hornet has a dark thorax like the Asian giant hornet. However, the Asian giant hornet has a striped abdomen with alternating bands of black and yellow-orange. Also, the European hornet has a primarily yellow abdomen with black bands that have two or more teardrop shapes bleeding into the yellow portion.

These differences can help you tell these creatures apart at a glance. However, many other differences between these two hornets exist, and we’re going to examine them.

European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Size

The Asian giant hornet is larger than the European hornet. The average Asian giant hornet measures between 1.5 and 2.25 inches long, and it has a wingspan that can reach 3 inches. Yet, the European hornet only measures between 1 and 1.5 inches in length while having a wingspan of 2 inches. Although most people won’t look closely enough at these hornets to see their size difference, it’s a clear way to distinguish the creatures in some cases.

European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Species

The European hornet is from the Vespa crabro species, and it’s the only species of true hornet that is found in the United States. At least, they used to be until the Asian giant hornet started to appear in the country.

The Asian giant hornet is from the species Vespa mandarinia, and they are sometimes called the murder hornet for their size and the danger that accompanies a stings from them. The Asian giant hornet has recently appeared on the west coast of the U.S., and efforts are underway to exterminate them and limit their spread.

European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Morphology and Coloration

European hornet

The European hornet can be distinguished by its striking yellow appearance with black bands across its abdomen

©TTstudio/Shutterstock.com

The European hornet and the Asian giant hornet look somewhat similar at a glance, but they have some differences in their bodies. For example, the Asian giant hornet has a deeper yellow color or orange color compared to the light-yellow color of the European hornet.

The European hornet has a yellow face, a reddish-brown thorax, and a striped abdomen with yellow and black bands. The black bands have teardrop-shaped portions that run into the yellow bands. Meanwhile, the Asian giant hornet has a deep orange face, a black thorax, and distinct bands of orange and black on its abdomen. Although these creatures may look similar, the banding and colors are unique to each creature.

European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Range

The European hornet and the Asian giant hornet have overlapping ranges in Asia, but they have distinct ranges outside of that part of the world. As its name suggests, the European hornet is found throughout much of Europe. They’re found in western and eastern Europe as well as the eastern portion of Asia, like China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. Yet, the European hornet was also introduced into the United States and Canada, and it has taken up residence along the eastern halves of both countries. In Canada, the hornets are mostly found in the southern extremes of the country.

The Asian giant hornet is found in many of the same places. It’s most common in Japan, but it also lives in China, India, Vietnam, and other nations.

The Asian giant hornet has only been found in a small portion of the U.S., Washington state. It’s only been found in a small part of Canada as well, British Columbia.

European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Sting Potency and Impact on Humans

Asian giant hornets have a long stinger and produce a potent neurotoxin

©KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0 – License

The Asian giant hornet is far more dangerous than the European hornet in terms of its sting. The Asian giant hornet has a stinger that measures ¼ inch. The hornet’s neurotoxin is moderately potent, and the hornet produces venom in large amounts.

Although one hornet is rarely enough to kill a person, at least outside of an allergic reaction, a few of these hornets can easily kill a person. They’re believed to be responsible for several dozen deaths each year.

The European hornet has a somewhat painful sting, but they rarely kill people. When they do, it’s mostly from an allergic reaction in individuals rather than an overwhelming amount of venom.

All in all, the Asian giant hornet is far more dangerous than the European hornet. Your chances of seeing the European hornet are far greater than seeing the Asian giant hornet outside of Japan and other countries near that area. In either case, it’s best to keep your distance and admire them from afar.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © TTstudio/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kyle Glatz is a writer at A-Z-Animals where his primary focus is on geography and mammals. Kyle has been writing for researching and writing about animals and numerous other topics for 10 years, and he holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and Education from Rowan University. A resident of New Jersey, Kyle enjoys reading, writing, and playing video games.

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Sources
  1. Penn State Extension, Available here: https://extension.psu.edu/european-hornet
  2. Penn State Extention, Available here: https://extension.psu.edu/asian-giant-hornets
  3. University of Maryland Extension, Available here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/northern-giant-hornet