Japanese Giant Hornet vs Black Slip Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Giant Hornet Black Slip Wasp
Scientific Name Vespa mandarinia japonica Pimpla instigator
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Vespidae Ichneumonidae
Size 35-55 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Giant Hornet

The largest hornet in the world, capable of destroying an entire honey bee colony in hours. A small group of 30 hornets can massacre 30,000 bees.

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Did You Know?

Japanese honey bees defend against these hornets by swarming a scout and vibrating their muscles to cook it alive at 46°C.

Black Slip Wasp

A medium-sized black ichneumon wasp that parasitizes butterfly and moth pupae. Uses its ovipositor to penetrate through cocoons. A common and widespread species.

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Did You Know?

Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.