Monday, August 24, 2020

Murder Hornets in Rhode Island?

Probably not, says DEM
RI Department of Environmental Management
Murder Hornets,' a.k.a. Asian Giant Hornets, Arrive in U.S.Think you spotted a Giant Asian Hornet? This invasive pest has caused a bunch of *buzz* with its nickname of Murder Hornet.

More research is needed to determine if these insects can survive in Rhode Island’s climate, and there is little risk of them being present here in 2020. 

 Chances are you’ve spotted a local look-a-like.

In Rhode Island, there are several native wasps and hornets that can resemble the Giant Asian Hornet but are not a threat to wildlife or our ecosystem.

The native and non-aggressive Eastern Cicada Killer is very active this time of year, and folks will continue to see them throughout August while cicada populations are high.
Image may contain: text that says 'Common lookalikes of Rhode Island IN Asian Giant Hornet Abdomen has solid bands Eastern Cicada Killer Black and yellow bands. Black bands form distinctive shapes. European Hornet Mostly black abdomen with yellow coloration bands. In Rhode Island, there are several native wasps and hornets that can resemble the Giant Asian Hornet but are not a threat to wildlife or our ecosystem. In fact, many of these native species are considered beneficial. The two most mistaken insects in our environment are the Eastern Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus) and the European Hornet (Vespa crabro). Both are pictured above.'
Learn more at www.dem.ri.gov/pestalert/

Download the factsheet: http://www.dem.ri.gov/…/caps-invasive-asian-giant-hornet-fs…
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