Asian Giant Hornet

Low mountains and forests in East and South Asia, occasionally human settlements

Adults consume nectar and tree sap; larvae are fed protein from other insects, especially honey bees and social wasps

Highly social nesters commonly found in ground cavities; known for group attacks on bee hives during 'slaughter' phases to procure larvae for food

Risks include powerful stings that cause localized tissue death or anaphylactic shock in humans; they are an invasive threat to honey bee populations but help control other forest pests