The following are some insects that might be confused for the Asian 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 Asian Giant Hornet.

You can also try our Interactive Guide

Be careful when assuming that the large wasp you found in NC is a “murder hornet”:

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

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Eastern Cicada Killer, Sphecius speciosus

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

European Hornet, Vespa crabro

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Southern Yellowjacket, Vespula squamosa

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Great Golden Digger Wasp, Sphex ichneumoneus

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa virginica

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Paper Wasp, Polistes sp.

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Bald Faced Hornet, Dolichovespula maculata

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Hover Fly, Milesia virginiensis

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Pigeon Horntail, Tremex columba

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Bee Robber Fly, Mallophora sp.

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Giant Robber Fly, Promachus rufipes

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Honey Bee, Apis mellifera

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Elm Sawfly (female), Cimbex americana

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia

Elm Sawfly (male), Cimbex americana