The invasive Northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia, AGH) is a social wasp species that was first reported in the Vancouver Island area of Canada and northwestern Washington state in 2019. It is not currently found in Rhode Island. These hornets are native to Asia, and have large bodies that measure 1.5 to 2 inches. To learn more about the Northern giant hornet and some common look-a-likes, see the USDA factsheet or watch this video from Utah State University Extension. If you suspect you have found an Northern giant hornet, please report the find to the RIDEM Invasive Species Reporting Page.
