Quick answer
Asian Giant Hornets (Vespa mandarinia) are insects found across Asia. The world's largest hornet. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.001 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and live Workers a few weeks; queens about a year. They feed on carnivore (insects, especially other bees and wasps) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Forests and low mountains of East and Southeast Asia; the world's largest hornet.
Key takeaway
Asian Giant Hornets (Vespa mandarinia) are insects found across Asia. The world's largest hornet. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.001 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and live Workers a few weeks; queens about a year. They feed on carnivore (insects, especially other bees and wasps) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Forests and low mountains of East and Southeast Asia; the world's largest hornet.
Asian Giant Hornet overview
Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is an insect listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.001 kg; lifespan around Workers a few weeks; queens about a year.
Asian Giant Hornet ecology
Diet: Carnivore (insects, especially other bees and wasps). Habitat: Forests and low mountains. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Asian Giant Hornets and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild asian giant hornets are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Asian Giant Hornet profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Asian Giant Hornets inhabit Forests and low mountains of East and Southeast Asia; the world's largest hornet. Their preferred habitat includes forests and low mountains, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across Asia.
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult asian giant hornets typically measure about 0.045 m in length and weigh roughly 0.001 kg (0 lb). They can sprint at up to 40 km/h (25 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Asian Giant Hornets are known for the world's largest hornet — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Asian Giant Hornet FAQs
What are key facts about asian giant hornets?
Asian Giant Hornets (Vespa mandarinia) are insects found across Asia. The world's largest hornet. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.001 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and live Workers a few weeks; queens about a year. They feed on carnivore (insects, especially other bees and wasps) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Forests and low mountains of East and Southeast Asia; the world's largest hornet.
What is the scientific name of the asian giant hornet?
Vespa mandarinia — used in research and conservation listings for asian giant hornets.
What do asian giant hornets eat?
Asian Giant Hornets eat insects and especially other bees and wasps, with seasonal and regional variation in Forests and low mountains.
Where do asian giant hornets live?
They are associated with Forests and low mountains. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of asian giant hornets?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.