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Black-tailed hornet

Black-tailed hornet

Vespa ducalis

A species of Hornets

The workers have a body length of 24–32 mm; the queen is about 37 mm. They have a distinctive black tail. They are only slightly smaller than the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) which has a body length of about 30–55 mm.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Black-tailed hornet sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Black-tailed hornet
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Attributes of Black-tailed hornet
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
It is found in Asia in places such as China (mainland), Hong Kong, India (northeast part), Japan, the Korean Peninsula, Myanmar, Nepal, Siberia in Russia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam (north and central part).
Adult Food Sources
Insects, honeydew, ripe fruit, sap, human garbage (occasionally)
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, beetle larvae, flies, other small insects, arthropod meat
Biting/stinging
The Black-tailed hornet may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Black-tailed hornet is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Black-tailed hornet feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Predators of Black-tailed hornet Larvae
Birds, rodents, various arthropods
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Predators of Adult Black-tailed hornet
Birds, larger insects, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Black-tailed hornet
Adult black-tailed hornet are unable to digest solid food, instead, they chew prey into a paste to feed to their larvae, receiving a nutritious liquid in return.
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Scientific Classification of Black-tailed hornet
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Vespids
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Genus
Hornets
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Tips for Finding Black-tailed hornet
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Youth Habitat of Black-tailed hornet
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Black-tailed hornet
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Black-tailed hornet
Since black-tailed hornet are wasps, they are often attracted to proteins and sweets. Therefore, baiting traps with a mixture of sugar and meat or fish can be effective.
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Habitat Preferences of Black-tailed hornet Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of black-tailed hornet are typically found in paper-like nests constructed by adult females and often located in sheltered areas or underground. To observe them, one would search in hollow trees, wall cavities, or soil cavities. Adult black-tailed hornet, on the other hand, can be commonly spotted in a variety of environments such as gardens, meadows, and woodland edges where they forage for food, materials for their nests, and seek mates. To find adults, searching flowering plants for nectar or other sources of sweets that attract these insects for foraging is beneficial, particularly during daylight hours when they are active.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Black-tailed hornet
The best time to find adult black-tailed hornet is typically during daylight hours when they are most active, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon.
Are Black-tailed hornet harmful?
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Are Black-tailed hornet harmful to humans?

The female wasp has a long thick stinger connected to the poison gland. The main components of the venom are some alkaline substances, including histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, hyaluronidase, etc. When it is stung, it will shoot venom into the skin of the person, but the sting needle is not left in the leather suit. After a person is stung by a wasp, the stinged skin will immediately become red, swollen and painful, even with petechiae and skin necrosis. When the eye is stung, it will cause severe pain, tearing, redness and swelling, and may also cause corneal ulcers. In addition, systemic symptoms include dizziness, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, restlessness, and increased blood pressure. The above symptoms usually disappear within a few hours to several days. In severe cases, drowsiness, systemic edema, oliguria, coma, hemolysis, myocarditis, hepatitis, acute renal failure and shock. Some people allergic to bee venom can manifest as urticaria, anaphylactic shock, etc.
Harmful Effects of Black-tailed hornet
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Toxic to Humans
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Black-tailed hornet possesses a stinger that delivers venom containing neurotoxins and cytotoxins. The sting can cause pain, swelling, and redness, with severe cases leading to muscle damage or renal failure. Typically, encounters result in mild symptoms, yet repeated stings or a high volume of venom could result in serious health complications.

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Toxic to Animals

Black-tailed hornet uses its venomous hairs as a defense mechanism. When touched, these hairs can release toxins causing mild to severe reactions in animals such as humans, dogs, cats, and birds. The larvae and adults of black-tailed hornet both possess these toxic hairs, which can deter predators and inadvertently affect curious humans or pets who might come into contact with them.

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Does the Black-tailed hornet sting humans?

Black-tailed hornet typically sting humans in defense, particularly if their nests are disturbed or they feel threatened. They use their stinger to inject venom, causing pain and allergic reactions in some individuals. Unlike bees, black-tailed hornet can sting multiple times without dying, as their stinger is not barbed. While males cannot sting, females wield this defense, and repeated stings can have increased health implications for the victim.

More Effects of Black-tailed hornet

Common Questions People Also Ask
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