A Side by Side Comparison of the Northern Giant Hornet and Other Insects

The following are some insects that might be confused for the Northern giant hornet -- also referred to in the media as the "murder hornet" -- which is not in North Carolina at this time.

As of this writing, they have only been seen in the Pacific Northwest. However, we still get a lot of calls and emails, and thought we should point out a few key details about the Northern giant hornet.

You can also try our Interactive GuideBe careful when assuming that the large wasp you found in North Carolina is a "murder hornet":

A visual chart identifying the "Big Three" wasps, including the Northern giant hornet - sometimes referred to as the "murder hornet."

In August 2023, another invasive hornet was found in the state of Georgia. There is no evidence that the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is in North Carolina, but it has been added to this page for reference.

Picture of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) — Yellow-Legged Hornet, *Vespa velutina*

Please note: The remaining insects are native or long established in North Carolina and many surrounding states. Proper identification is crucial, as it is often not necessary to kill these insects.

Asian Giant Hornet (or Murder Hornet), Vespa mandarinia — Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Eastern Cicada Killer, Sphecius speciosus

European Hornet, Vepa Crabro — European Hornet, Vespa crabro

Southern Yellowjacket, Vespula Squamosa — Southern Yellowjacket, Vespula squamosa

Great Golden Digger Wasp, Sphex ichneumoneous — Great Golden Digger Wasp, Sphex ichneumoneus

Paper Wasp, Polisities sp. — Paper Wasp, Polistes sp.

Bald Faced Hornet, Dolichovespula maculata

Piegon Horntail, Tremex columba — Pigeon Horntail, Tremex columba

Elm Sawfly, Cimbex americana — Elm Sawfly (female), Cimbex americana

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Written By

Matt Bertone Director, Plant Disease and Insect Clinic