Did I find a MURDER HORNET in the USA?!

TL;DR

The video explores the possibility of finding invasive murder hornets in West Virginia, but concludes that it is instead the European Hornet.

Transcript

• Oh my gosh, look at this. It's a giant hornet, there's no question about that. But is this the invasive murder hornet that everybody's been talking about? You know where I am right now? West Virginia. This is crazy. Whoa. (jungle music) All right, guys, right now we are on location in West Virginia, and this big, glorious bush behind me is known ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🇪🇭 The European Hornet, found in West Virginia, is often mistaken for the invasive murder hornet.
• 😒 The hornets use the bark and sap of lilac bushes to build their paper nests.
• 🪹 European Hornets have distinct physical features and build their nests above ground.
• 🪆 Their stings can be painful, but they are not likely to sting humans unless their nests are disturbed.
• 👋 If encountered, it is best to admire these hornets from a safe distance and avoid interacting with their nests.
• 🎮 The video encourages the debunking of media hype surrounding invasive species.
• 🪆 Stinging insects have coexisted with humans for centuries and only pose a threat when provoked.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between hornets and wasps?

All hornets are technically a type of wasp, but not all wasps are hornets. Hornets are usually larger and build their nests above ground.

Q: Are there giant hornets in West Virginia?

The video confirms the presence of large hornets in West Virginia but identifies them as European Hornets, not the invasive murder hornet species.

Q: How can you differentiate between a European Hornet and a murder hornet?

European Hornets have distinct characteristics such as a strong exoskeleton, large head with prominent mandibles, grappling hook-like legs, and yellow and black coloration. They also build paper nests above ground.

Q: Should people be afraid of the European Hornets?

The video advises against being afraid of European Hornets unless their nests are disturbed. They are generally non-aggressive towards humans and only sting as a defense mechanism.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video showcases the search for giant hornets in West Virginia and the valuable lilac bushes they inhabit for their bark and sap.

• The host successfully catches a large hornet, which is later identified as the European Hornet and not the invasive murder hornet.

• The video emphasizes that while these hornets can sting and should be respected, they are not likely to attack humans unless their nests are disturbed.