The southern giant hornet has never been observed in France. It was detected in Spain, in Asturias, from March 2022 — the first documented occurrence of this species in Europe. Anses recommends watching for its possible arrival, particularly in the south-west, although no data today supports talking about an established threat.
Key points
- No observation in France to date, neither of Vespa soror nor of the Asian giant hornet Vespa mandarinia.
- Four specimens collected in Spain, in March 2022 and October 2023, in Asturias.
- It is one of the largest known hornets: up to 46 mm.
- Anses recommends specific monitoring as soon as it is first detected in France.
- How it was introduced into Europe remains unknown.
Which species are we talking about?
Vespa soror is a hornet native to South-East Asia, known as the southern giant hornet. Its French name, "frelon grand-duc", was coined by entomologists to reflect both its kinship with Vespa ducalis — the "frelon duc" — and its closeness to Vespa mandarinia, the giant hornet.
It is one of the largest hornets in the world: it can reach 46 mm.
Its appearance is distinctive: a yellow head, a thorax that is black towards the head and orange towards the abdomen, and first two abdominal segments shading from yellow to orange then brown, the following segments being black.
Where has it been detected in Europe?
In Spain, in Asturias, in El Campo (Siero).
In total, four specimens were collected: the first in March 2022, the next in October 2023. The discovery was the subject of a scientific paper in 2024 in the journal Ecology and Evolution, explicitly titled an "early alarm" on the first occurrence of the southern giant hornet in Europe.
How it was introduced remains unknown. The repeated captures over two separate years nevertheless suggest that the species was not just passing through by accident.
Is it present in France?
No. The June 2025 Anses report is categorical: giant hornets — Vespa mandarinia and Vespa soror — have not yet been observed in mainland France.
The only exotic hornet established in France apart from the yellow-legged Asian hornet is the oriental hornet, confined to the south-east.
Oriental hornet: what do we know about it in France?
Why are the authorities watching it?
For two separate reasons, one to do with beekeeping, the other with health.
It is a formidable bee predator. Vespa soror often attacks in groups and feeds on a variety of insects, including honey bees. Coordinated attacks by this kind of giant hornet can wipe out a colony much faster than the individual predation of the Asian hornet.
Its stings are very painful and, like those of other hymenoptera, can cause severe allergic reactions, which can be fatal in sensitised people.
Anses explicitly recommends making poison control toxicologists aware of the possible arrival of this hornet, and setting up specific monitoring as soon as it is first detected in mainland France.
The south-west is identified as the priority area to watch, as its climate suits the species.
Is it the "murder hornet"?
No, but the two are often confused.
The nickname "murder hornet" was popularised by the American press from 2019, for Vespa mandarinia, the Asian giant hornet, detected at the time in Washington State and British Columbia. This sensationalist nickname does not correspond to any scientific category.
Vespa soror is a related but distinct species. Neither has been observed in France.
What to do if you think you have seen a giant hornet?
In the vast majority of cases, it is a European hornet (Vespa crabro), which can reach 35 mm and is understandably impressive. The European hornet is a native, useful species, protected in some neighbouring countries: it should not be destroyed without good reason.
If you are seriously in doubt, photograph the insect from a distance and send the picture to the French National Museum of Natural History ([email protected]), giving the place and date. A formal identification relies on precise morphological criteria, which only a sharp photo can establish.
Frequently asked questions
Could the southern giant hornet reach France?
This is what the health authorities are watching for, with no timeline or estimated probability. The distance between Asturias and south-western France is short, but no spread has been documented to date.
Is it more dangerous than the Asian hornet?
Its size and group hunting make it more formidable for bee colonies. For humans, the risk follows the same mechanisms as for other hymenoptera: pain, dose-related toxic reaction, allergic reaction.
Is there a control plan for it?
No. The French regulatory framework — law of 14 March 2025, article L. 411-9-1 of the Environment Code — specifically targets the yellow-legged Asian hornet. See the regulations
Sources
Information checked on 14/08/2026.