Parts of Canada and the United States have been overrun by Asian giant hornets that threaten to harm already vulnerable honeybee populations. These destructive insects, known as “murder hornets” for their sizable bodies and tendency to decapitate their prey, have prompted concern. However, a recent study suggests that traps designed with the hornets’ sex pheromones could be an efficient solution.
Odors known as sex pheromones are utilized to lure prospective mates. On Monday, a team of researchers consisting of members from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Agricultural University, and the University of California San Diego revealed their findings on the individual components of the hornet queen’s sex pheromone in Current Biology.
According to a statement from UC San Diego, James Nieh, a bee researcher, co-authored the study. By utilizing gas chromatography and mass spectrometry as well as conducting experiments over the course of two years, Nieh and his team pinpointed the primary chemicals responsible for the sex pheromone: hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, and decanoic acid. These compounds can be easily procured and put into use in the field.
The tests indicated that the male hornets exhibited a strong response to the pheromone and were lured towards traps that were scented with the fragrance. Nieh explained that while the traps could assist in decreasing the number of male hornets, their primary function would be to monitor their movements and forecast their expansion.
News about Murder Hornets
The return of murder hornets could have negative implications for bees. An examination of the nest belonging to the Asian giant hornets, originally from Japan, reveals more killers. Although human deaths caused by these hornets are rare, it is possible (PDF link). The Washington State Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture are monitoring the creatures and eliminating their colonies when discovered.
Nieh dislikes using the term “murder hornet”. According to Nieh, “I often urge people to stop referring to them as ‘murder hornets’ because although they are big and intimidating, they are not genuinely killers.” Nieh further added, “They are incredible social insects. However, since they are not native to North America and pose a threat to our vital bee populations, we should eliminate them.”
