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‘Murder hornet’ trapped alive in Washington state for first time

By Zach Halaschak
Published July 31, 2020 7:44pm ET
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‘Murder hornet’ trapped alive in Washington state for first time
An Asian giant hornet from Japan is held on a pin by Sven Spichiger, an entomologist with the Washington state Dept. of Agriculture, Monday, May 4, 2020, in Olympia, Wash. The insect, which has been found in Washington state, is the world's largest hornet, and has been dubbed the "Murder Hornet" in reference to its appetite for honey bees, and a sting that can be fatal to humans. | (Ted S. Warren/AP)

A live Asian giant hornet was trapped this week in a promising step for scientists who hope to wipe out the invasive species.

Officials with the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced the capture in a Friday news release. The insect was trapped near Birch Bay in Whatcom County earlier this month, and scientists are already planning what to do when other “murder hornets” are captured.

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Animals COVID-19 Insects Science Washington