Sex Pheromone Could Be Key to Stopping Giant “Murder” Hornet Invasion


March 15, 2022

Chemicals used as bait to trap and track so-called ‘murder hornets’ as they expand their footprint in the Western United States.

The world’s largest hornet has been the focus of extensive news coverage of late due to its menacing appearance and expanding footprint in North America.

But while the “murder hornet” label attached to the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) may be an overdramatization of its danger, researchers agree that the invasive species is destructive and threatens North American bee populations and millions of dollars in crop production. Because honey bees offer few defenses (other than a “heat ball” defense seen in the video below), giant hornets can rapidly destroy entire bee colonies.

https://scitechdaily.com/sex-pheromo...rnet-invasion/