Sample of an Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), the world's largest species of hornet. ( Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Asian giant hornets, known by their horrifying nickname "murder hornets" have been spotted for the first time in the US. As the world's largest hornets, these insects can grow up to two inches long and are capable of slaughtering entire colonies of bees and even killing people.
Up to 50 people a year are killed by the giant hornets in Japan. Researchers fear that if the hornets aren't contained now, then they might establish themselves in the US permanently and cause damage to ecosystems.