mandarinia

Mandarinia is a taxonomic name that has appeared in various classifications for a group of large hornets within the subfamily Vespinae. In many modern treatments, the best known member associated with this name is the Asian giant hornet, whose current widely accepted binomial is Vespa mandarinia; some sources have treated Mandarinia as a separate genus or as a synonym or subgenus within Vespa. The differing classifications reflect historical changes and ongoing revisions in hornet taxonomy.

Members of this group are among the largest hornets. They are eusocial wasps with colonies that include queens, workers, and drones. They build nests in trees or hollowed cavities and rely on a diet that includes other insects, which their strong mandibles help subdue. Coloration and size can vary among populations and individuals.

Geographically, the species most commonly linked to the name is native to parts of Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, and surrounding regions, with some reports extending to Southeast Asia. Nests are typically located high in trees or within cavities, and colonies are annual in temperate climates, expanding during warmer months and dying back in winter where winters are cold.

Human interactions center on the hornet’s potential for painful stings and its role as a predator of other insects, including honeybees. Management concerns arise where hornets are invasive, threaten apiaries, or pose risks to people in populated areas.

See also Vespa mandarinia. Taxonomic references vary on the status of Mandarinia as a separate genus versus a synonym or subgenus of Vespa.