Insights into the prey of Vespa mandarinia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in Washington state, obtained from metabarcoding of larval feces.

ABSTRACT: The northern giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), was detected for the first time in North America in 2019. Four nests have since been located and removed in northwestern Washington State as part of an extensive survey and eradication program. This recent introduction into North America has prompted new research on the biology and ecology of V. mandarinia to help inform management strategies. In its native range, V. mandarinia is known to prey on a variety of insects including the economically important honey bee species Apis cerana and Apis mellifera. Although A. cerana has developed defense mechanisms against attack by V. mandarinia, A. mellifera have no such defenses and an entire hive can be quickly destroyed by

SUBMITTER: Wilson T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10926418 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature