noun
European hornet
A large wasp species (Vespa crabro) found in Europe and parts of Asia. In Japan, it is less common than the native giant hornet.
モンスズメバチはヨーロッパ原産の大型のハチです。
The European hornet is a large wasp native to Europe.
Katakana spelling is standard for this species name.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
スズメバチ is the general term for hornets, while モンスズメバチ specifically refers to the European hornet (Vespa crabro).
The name combines 紋 (mon, 'pattern') with 雀蜂 (suzumebachi, 'hornet'), likely referring to the patterned abdomen of this species.