Hornets (Vespidae: Vespinae: Vespa) are eusocial wasps and are among the largest of social wasps of the family Vespidae. There are around 21 species currently recognized and most of them are from Tropical Asia, although V. cabro is originally from Europe and northern Asia and has been introduced into North America. The hornets of the genus Vespa are predators of other invertebrates, including insects. Some species are especially keen to attack and feed on bees, including the honey bees (Apis mellifera L). Species that have been accidentally introduced in parts of the world, outside their native range, have had documented negative impacts on the native fauna and Apiculture. In addition, hornets are also considered pests because of their aggressive behavior in protecting their nesting sites some of which can be associated with human structures. Wasps of the genus Vespa show great variation among different populations in their natural range of distribution. This variation has been, in some cases, an impediment in their identification. Available literature and identification aids are scattered and many keys are only useful for local populations. There is not a single place online where people interested on hornets can have access to images and information on the diversity of Vespa species. In 2018, the Invasive Hornet Project (IHP) began with the purpose of initially visually documenting the diversity of the 21 species of hornets (Vespa spp.) and most of the variation (subspecies) and castes (females: gynes/queens and workers, as well as some males) within each of the species. The project is a joint collaborative effort between USDA APHIS PPQ and The University of Georgia. The first 707 photographs for the IHP were released on July 2, 2018. On July 9, 2018, an additional 392 images were released to provide images for all 21 species and the majority of subspecies. For comments or questions regarding this project, please feel free to contact Dr. Allan Smith-Pardo (allan.h.smith-pardo@usda.gov) or Lindsey Seastone (lindsey.e.seastone@usda.gov).

Organization:USDA APHIS PPQ

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