Short Wave Here's The Deal With 'Murder Hornets'
May 8, 2020
Entomologist Samuel Ramsey, a research fellow with the USDA, dives into the buzz around the Asian giant hornets, often dreaded as 'murder hornets.' He debunks myths while sharing his thrilling confrontations with these hornets during his research in Thailand. The conversation uncovers their startling impact on vulnerable honeybee populations and the broader ecological consequences. Ramsey discusses their menacing predatory strategies and emphasizes the urgent actions needed to combat these invasive threats to protect our bees.
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Hornet Attack
- Sammy Ramsey shared his experience battling Asian giant hornets while researching bees in Thailand.
- One hornet stung him through his bee suit, but the suit's thickness prevented serious injury.
Murder Hornet Name
- The Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia, is making headlines due to the sensationalized name "murder hornet".
- This name has garnered more attention compared to its scientific name or previous moniker, "yak-killer hornet".
Honeybee Threat and Defense
- Asian giant hornets pose a significant threat to honeybees, as a small group can decimate a large colony quickly.
- However, bees in the hornets' native range have developed a defense mechanism: cooking the hornets by swarming and vibrating.