Comparing European Hornet vs. Asian Giant Hornet
The 5 Key Differences Between European Hornets and Asian Giant Hornets
The greatest differences between a European hornet and an Asian giant hornet can be found in their size and coloration. Asian giant hornets are far larger than European hornets, measuring up to 2.25 inches long with a wingspan of 3 inches while the European hornet grows to 1.5 inches long with a 2-inch wingspan. The Asian giant hornet has an orange color on parts of its body, but the European hornet is yellow. The European hornet has a dark thorax like the Asian giant hornet. However, the Asian giant hornet has a striped abdomen with alternating bands of black and yellow-orange. Also, the European hornet has a primarily yellow abdomen with black bands that have two or more teardrop shapes bleeding into the yellow portion. These differences can help you tell these creatures apart at a glance. However, many other differences between these two hornets exist, and we’re going to examine them.
European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Size
The Asian giant hornet is larger than the European hornet. The average Asian giant hornet measures between 1.5 and 2.25 inches long, and it has a wingspan that can reach 3 inches. Yet, the European hornet only measures between 1 and 1.5 inches in length while having a wingspan of 2 inches. Although most people won’t look closely enough at these hornets to see their size difference, it’s a clear way to distinguish the creatures in some cases.
European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Species
The European hornet is from the Vespa crabro species, and it’s the only species of true hornet that is found in the United States. At least, they used to be until the Asian giant hornet started to appear in the country. The Asian giant hornet is from the species Vespa mandarinia, and they are sometimes called the murder hornet for their size and the danger that accompanies a stings from them. The Asian giant hornet has recently appeared on the west coast of the U.S., and efforts are underway to exterminate them and limit their spread.
European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Morphology and Coloration
The European hornet and the Asian giant hornet look somewhat similar at a glance, but they have some differences in their bodies. For example, the Asian giant hornet has a deeper yellow color or orange color compared to the light-yellow color of the European hornet. The European hornet has a yellow face, a reddish-brown thorax, and a striped abdomen with yellow and black bands. The black bands have teardrop-shaped portions that run into the yellow bands. Meanwhile, the Asian giant hornet has a deep orange face, a black thorax, and distinct bands of orange and black on its abdomen. Although these creatures may look similar, the banding and colors are unique to each creature.
European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Range
The European hornet and the Asian giant hornet have overlapping ranges in Asia, but they have distinct ranges outside of that part of the world. As its name suggests, the European hornet is found throughout much of Europe. They’re found in western and eastern Europe as well as the eastern portion of Asia, like China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. Yet, the European hornet was also introduced into the United States and Canada, and it has taken up residence along the eastern halves of both countries. In Canada, the hornets are mostly found in the southern extremes of the country. The Asian giant hornet is found in many of the same places. It’s most common in Japan, but it also lives in China, India, Vietnam, and other nations. The Asian giant hornet has only been found in a small portion of the U.S., Washington state. It’s only been found in a small part of Canada as well, British Columbia.
European Hornet vs Asian Giant Hornet: Sting Potency and Impact on Humans
The Asian giant hornet is far more dangerous than the European hornet in terms of its sting. The Asian giant hornet has a stinger that measures ¼ inch. The hornet’s neurotoxin is moderately potent, and the hornet produces venom in large amounts. Although one hornet is rarely enough to kill a person, at least outside of an allergic reaction, a few of these hornets can easily kill a person. They’re believed to be responsible for several dozen deaths each year. The European hornet has a somewhat painful sting, but they rarely kill people. When they do, it’s mostly from an allergic reaction in individuals rather than an overwhelming amount of venom. All in all, the Asian giant hornet is far more dangerous than the European hornet. Your chances of seeing the European hornet are far greater than seeing the Asian giant hornet outside of Japan and other countries near that area. In either case, it’s best to keep your distance and admire them from afar.
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