Which non-native Hymenopteran, known as the murder hornet, posed an agricultural threat in Washington State in 2020?

• A. Asian yellowjacket
• B. Giant hornet of China
• C. Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia)
• D. European hornet

Answer: (C)

The essential idea is identifying an invasive Hymenopteran that posed a risk to agriculture by attacking honey bees. The murder hornet in Washington state in 2020 is the Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia. This species is not native to North America and preys on honey bees, a crucial pollinator for many crops, so its presence threatens pollination services and beekeeping operations. Its large size and predatory behavior make it especially concerning for bee colonies, which translates into potential impacts on crop yields that rely on bee pollination. The other names refer to different hornet or wasp species, or are less precise terms for the same general group, but the organism most associated with the 2020 Washington detections and the murder hornet nickname is the Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia.