‘Northern Giant Hornet’ Adopted as Common Name for Vespa mandarinia

Annapolis, MD; July 25, 2022—The Entomological Society of America has adopted "northern giant hornet" for the species Vespa mandarinia in its Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List. Vespa mandarinia is an invasive hornet native to Asia that has been the target of eradication efforts in Washington state, USA, and British Columbia, Canada, after individual hornets were first discovered there in 2019. It has been referred to elsewhere as "Asian giant hornet" or "murder hornet."

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The ESA publications program is designed to meet the professional needs of the ESA membership, reflect emerging areas of interest and research in entomology, and promote entomology in all its sub-disciplines for the advancement of science and the benefit of society. Publication policies, procedures, and governance are also covered.

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