The black-bellied hornet (Vespa basalis) is a species of hornet native to Taiwan. It is one of the most dangerous species of hornet on the island, and its venom induces edema.[1] Colonies may have as many as 5,000 individual hornets.[2]

Black-bellied hornet
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Genus: Vespa
Species:
V. basalis
Binomial name
Vespa basalis
Smith, 1852

Distribution

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Introduced

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None known.[3] One specimen was photographed in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, in July 2019 and was identified by several experts as V. basalis.[4][5][6] However there have been no other sightings and is not believed to represent a local population.[4][5][6]

References

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  1. ^ Toxicology abstracts. 1992. p. 64.
  2. ^ Ronald Jenner; Eivind Undheim (2017). Venom: The Secrets of Nature's Deadliest Weapon. Smithsonian Institution. p. 92. ISBN 978-1-58834-454-0.
  3. ^ "Black-bellied Hornet (Vespa basalis)". iNaturalist. 2018-08-22. Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  4. ^ a b Kozak, Paul; Otis, Gard. "From the Province" (PDF). Ontario Animal Health Network.
  5. ^ a b "Proceedings 2019/20" (PDF). Hilton Garden Inn, Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists. 2020-01-21.
  6. ^ a b Potter, Tammy Horn. Reed, Mary (ed.). "May-June 2020" (PDF). Apiary Inspectors of America.