First Asian giant hornet found in U.S. in 2021 found near Marysville

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) says the first confirmed Asian giant hornet found this year in the U.S. has been detected near
Marysville.

A Snohomish County resident reported the dead hornet to WSDA on June 4, and on June 8, state entomologists inspected the dried male hornet. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the hornet was in fact an Asian giant hornet, despite its location and different coloration.

The invasive hornet is the first to be found in Snohomish County and, according to the entomologists, appears unrelated to the ones found in B.C. and Whatcom County, where all of the previous giant hornets were found in North America in 2019 and 2020.

Scientists believe the hornet is from another season since males don’t emerge until July and the hornet’s dry texture, according to a WSDA media release.

Entomologists are still trying to figure out how the hornet made its way to Marysville, according to the media release. WSDA, which had only been setting traps in Whatcom County, will now set traps in Snohomish and King counties.

“This new report continues to underscore how important public reporting is for all suspected invasive species, but especially Asian giant hornet,” WSDA managing entomologist Sven Spichiger said in a statement.

The hornet can grow to 2 inches and is identified by its large, orange head and almond-shaped eyes. The species native to Asia was first detected in North America in 2019, sparking concern among scientists that it could, if unchecked, threaten honeybees and other species.

Washington residents can report Asian giant hornet sightings to WSDA at agr.wa.gov/hornets, by emailing hornets@agr.wa.gov or calling 1-800/443-6684.