Things get complicated when trying to identify an invasive species if that creature resembles another established species. The European hornet, which was introduced into North America in the mid-19th century, happens to look like the Asian giant hornet, an invasive species that recently appeared. And it is unfortunately also referred to as the murder hornt.
But before you get too concerned about a dead hornet you’ve found, it’s important to know how these two hornet species are different. That’s why we’re going to compare the European hornet and the 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 Hornet | Asian Giant 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 |
| Species | – Vespa crabro – Largest eusocial wasp native to Europe – Only true hornet in the U.S. from the Vespa genus, unless Asian giant hornets take root | – Vespa mandarinia – World’s largest hornet – Also called “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, and China – 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, and Vietnam |
| 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 death – The amount of venom combined with its potency is dangerous – May kill upwards of 50 people per year due to multiple stings or allergies |
Key Differences Between European Hornets and Asian Giant Hornets
While most hornets are about an inch long, the Asian giant hornet, the world’s largest hornet, can grow twice that size.
©iStock.com/kojihirano
European Hornet vs. Asian Giant Hornet: Size, Morphology, and Coloration
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, with queens measuring up to 2.25 inches long with a three-inch wingspan, while the largest European hornet grows to 1.5 inches long with a wingspan that stretches out 2 inches.
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: Species
Both species belong to the Vespa genus. The species name for the European hornet is Vespa crabro, and it’s the only species of true hornet found in the United States. Well, at least that was the case before the Asian giant hornet started to appear in the country.
The Asian giant hornet’s species name is Vespa mandarinia, and they are sometimes called murder hornets for their size and the danger that accompanies a sting from one. Asian giant hornet recently appeared on the west coast of the U.S., and efforts are underway to exterminate them and limit their spread.
The European hornet can be distinguished from the Asian giant hornet by its striking yellow appearance with black bands across its abdomen.
©TTstudio/Shutterstock.com
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 that part of the world. As its name suggests, the European hornet is found throughout much of Europe. They’re also found in the eastern portion of Asia, including China, Mongolia, South Korea, and Japan. But its range doesn’t stop there. The European hornet was 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, and Vietnam. In fact, this hornet is also known as the Japanese giant hornet. As for its presence in North America, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in one U.S. state, Washington, and in the province of British Columbia in Canada.
Asian giant hornets have a long stinger and produce a potent neurotoxin.
European Hornet vs. Asian Giant Hornet: Sting Potency and Impact on Humans
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 one-quarter inch long. 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 death is a very unlikely outcome. Fatal stings have occurred in people who have had a severe allergic reaction to the venom. The amount of venom does not appear to be a factor bringing about death.
All in all, the Asian giant hornet presents far more danger to people than the European hornet, although it is still quite minimal. 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 observe them from afar.
