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.
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).
Katakana spelling is standard for this species name.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
The name combines 紋 (mon, 'pattern') with 雀蜂 (suzumebachi, 'hornet'), likely referring to the patterned abdomen of this species.