Have you seen a really big bee outside? We’re actually REALLY big – the intimidating wasp is 2 inches long.
You might be wondering, have I just seen a killer hornet? Should I kill him? Should I call the authorities? I am in danger? Here we look at how budding entomologists in North America can distinguish the native cicada killer wasp from the possibly invasive Japanese hornet.
Cicada killer vs Japanese hornet
Oriental cicadas killers (Sphetius) and Japanese hornets (Vespa mandarinia) do not usually inhabit the same continent, but sightings of Japanese killer hornets in the United States have caused many errors in the identification of the cicada killer, a large and harmless local wasp.
Since these insects are about the same size, how can you tell them apart? Think about where you noticed it, the coloration and the sting.
Comparison of the Cicada Killer and the Japanese Hornet
Consider the following differences between cicada killers and Japanese hornets.
| Cicada Killer | Japanese hornet | |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical position | United States centered in the east | Asia, Russia and Pacific Northwest North America |
| Coloration | Darker with fewer yellow streaks | Yellow head, yellow-brown abdomen. Long, sharp sting; aggressive |
| The sting | Black blunt sting; non-aggressive | Long, sharp sting; aggressive |
Three key differences between the cicada killer and the Japanese hornet
If you happen to see a two-inch bee, look at these three features to identify it.
Geographical position
The Japanese hornet and cicada killer wasp have geographically distant native habitats. The Japanese or Asian giant hornet inhabits most of Asia, right up to Russia. If you see a large wasp there, it is almost certainly the Japanese hornet, the largest hornet in the world.
The eastern killer cicada, the largest and most famous species of cicada killer, is native to North America. Its range is concentrated in the eastern two-thirds of the continent, especially on the east coast. If you spot a very large hornet in North America, it is almost certainly an oriental killer of cicadas.
However, since 2019, the Japanese hornet has been spotted occasionally in the Pacific Northwest of North America. These sightings were limited to the Vancouver area and Whatcom County, Washington State. Since this is not part of the usual range of the killer cicada, you can find the Japanese hornet in this very small area. Residents are asked to report possible sightings to contain this possibly invasive species.
Coloration
Next, you can look at the general color of the wasp. The abdomen is the most distinctive. Cicada killers have a black belly with three intermittent yellow stripes, while Japanese hornets have many continuous, alternating stripes of brown and orange-yellow.
Next, let’s look at the head. Japanese hornets have an orange or yellow head, while cicada killers have a dull brown head with a small yellow spot on their face.
Finally, look at the ribcage. Japanese hornets have dark brown to black breasts, while cicada killers have light brown to orange breasts.
The sting
Japanese giant hornets are known for their painful bite. They have a long, sharp sting visible at the tip of their abdomen.
Cicada killers have a sting, but by contrast, it seems dull. The tip of the abdomen is black, rounded.
Bite behavior can also indicate a species. If you received a painful bite from a 2-inch wasp, you are likely encountering a killer hornet. Male killer cicadas cannot sting, and females are non-aggressive and will only sting in the event of a serious threat.
Next: How to Build a Spotted Lantern Trap
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the difference between a cicada killer and a Japanese hornet?
Cicada killers are large, non-aggressive land wasps native to North America. They have an easily recognizable three-striped coloration and rarely sting. Their favorite food is cicadas, which they sting to paralyze.
The Japanese hornets are native to Asia, and several have been spotted in North America. These large hornets attack honeybee colonies and are known for their painful and sometimes fatal stings.
What can kill a Japanese hornet?
Many things can kill the Japanese hornet, including insecticides or crushing insects. Interestingly, honey bees also have a strategy to get rid of this predator. If a Japanese hornet enters a honey bee hive, smaller bees swarm around it, vibrating with their wings. This raises the body temperature of each bee until it reaches 122 degrees Fahrenheit in the center of the congestion. This extreme temperature is killing the hornet.
Can killer wasp cicadas kill people?
Typically, cicada killers don’t kill people. Although they have a sting, they are not aggressive and will not sting unless crushed. However, people with a known allergy to bee or wasp venom should exercise caution.
Can Japanese hornets kill people?
Yes, these large wasps kill up to 50 people a year in Japan. They have a long sting that can be pierced through a beekeeper’s protective suit. Victims describe the bite as a sensation of hot metal. People who are allergic to bee venom are at particular risk.
Are the killer wasp cicadas aggressive?
No, cicada killers are not aggressive compared to other bees and wasps. They lack the instinct to guard the nest, which often results in honeybee or hornet stings when people get too close.
Are cicada killers and Japanese hornets the same as a killer hornet?
The Japanese hornet is also called the Japanese giant hornet, the Asian giant hornet, or the killer hornet. This is not the same species as the cicada killer.
Who will win, the cicada killer or the killer hornet?
Although a conflict between these species is unlikely, the Japanese hornet has a slight size advantage. Both insects have enough venom to paralyze the other – unless one is a ruthless male killer cicada.