Asian hornet; Asian predatory wasp
Refers specifically to Vespa velutina, an invasive hornet species in parts of Asia and Europe. In Japanese contexts, it is often discussed as a threat to honeybees.
The Asian hornet is an invasive species that attacks honeybees.
This year, a nest of Asian hornets was found in the park.
Katakana spelling is standard for this species name; the word is usually written in kana.
Rarely used kanji form.
Compound of つま (tsuma, 'edge' or 'tip'), あか (aka, 'red'), and すずめばち (suzumebachi, 'hornet'), referring to the reddish tip of the abdomen. The exact derivation is uncertain, but the name is descriptive.